The spinal cord is a critical component of the nervous system and is responsible for coordinating specific motor functions and providing sensory nerve information to the brain. The spinal cord extends from the back of your brain through to your lumbar vertebrae and sends nerve signals throughout the body.
Unfortunately spinal cord injuries have been sustained across the Province of Alberta in motor vehicle accidents or through other forms of trauma since the invention of the automobile. The injury is manifested when there is nerve damage or trauma to the spinal column and the injury is generally located anywhere from the base of your skull to the cauda equina (below your tailbone). In very severe circumstances, spinal cord injuries can result in paralysis, long-term physical pain and even emotional and mental pain. While spinal cord injury symptoms can be immediate – sometimes it can take a prolonged period of time before an individual realizes that they may have a spinal cord injury. If you have been in a car accident or any motor vehicle accident, here are some immediate symptoms that may indicate you have a severe spinal cord injury. In the event that you are exhibiting these symptoms, contact a doctor immediately.
- Extreme pain or pressure in your back, neck, and/or head
- Tingling, numbness, and loss of sensation in your hands, fingers, feet, and toes
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Inability to control any part of your body or paralysis
- Inability to maintain balance or walk properly
- Impaired breathing
- Twisted positioning of the back or neck
While the above-mentioned symptoms are more immediate and apparent following a car accident, there are also other symptoms of a spinal cord injury that may take a prolonged time to materialize. Here are some spinal cord injury symptoms that may occur well after you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident:
- Loss of movement or sensation – including the ability to feel warmth, cold and the sense of touch
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
- Abnormal reflex activities or muscle spasms
- Pain or stinging sensation
- Difficulty breathing, coughing or clearing fluid from your lungs
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms as a result of being involved in an accident, contact our law firm for a free consultation because you may be eligible for compensation.
When you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury, becoming healthy is the number one priority. Those living in Calgary, Edmonton and Red Deer can always turn to Spinal Cord Injury Alberta. It was founded in 1961 and has been a leader in offering support, service and information for Albertans with spinal cord injuries and other disabilities. Please visit their website here.
Over the past year, neuroscientists from the University of Alberta have made a major discovery on the nature of spinal cord injuries which may open up new avenues for how spinal cord injuries are treated. While this new research remains promising, victims of spinal cord injuries generally have a hard time going about their day-to-day tasks and working like they used to prior to being injured. In addition to this, spinal cord injuries can result in a lot of ongoing pain, suffering and discomfort. You can read more about University of Alberta’s research here.
If you have sustained a spinal cord injury as a result of being involved in a car accident – contact our law firm today for a free consultation.
At Braithwaite Boyle, our accident lawyers have helped clients all across Alberta with spinal cord injury claims stemming from car accidents. We have offices conveniently located in Edmonton, Calgary, and Red Deer and can service clients all across Alberta.
To learn more about how Braithwaite Boyle Accident Injury Law specializes in spinal cord injuries please click here or call 1-800-661-4902 now for a free consultation.