Spinal cord injuries are far more common than many of us realize. Every year, over 10,000 United States residents experience some form of spinal cord injury. Spinal cord injuries can happen in various ways, including car accidents, birth injuries, falls, and sports injuries. Every spinal cord injury is unique, yet there are two main types of results of complete spinal cord injuries — quadriplegia and paraplegia. If your loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury, you may be concerned about what the future will be like and how treatment will proceed. There are many more treatment options available now than there were even 20 years ago.
1) Develop a Treatment Plan
If you have experienced a spinal cord injury that resulted in quadriplegia or paraplegia, you will likely have a medical team assigned to you after your injury. One doctor will typically be in charge of your treatment plant and will evaluate all of your symptoms and needs. He or she will then recommend other specialists, such as physical therapists and rehabilitation experts, to help you regain as much function as possible. Your doctor may want you to stay in a rehabilitation facility for a while for monitoring. Typically, your doctor will also help you with a transition team to help you when it comes time to move back into your home.
2) Undergo Surgery
Depending on your unique spinal cord injury, you may need spinal stenosis surgery. This type of surgery can help you increase your mobility. Spinal stenosis surgery is usually only recommended if other treatments are not working. The goal of spinal stenosis surgery is to relieve pressure on your nerve roots and spinal cord by creating more space in your spinal canal. Surgeons will attempt to decompress the damaged area to relieve symptoms. While there are minimally invasive surgeries to remove lamina or bone or reduce the damage to healthy tissue, other spinal stenosis procedures are invasive and will require a lengthy recovery period.
3) Treat Issues as They Arise
Treatment for your spinal cord injury will likely be ongoing. Your team will be able to address issues as they come up. For example, if you need assistance coping with your spinal cord injury, your doctor can recommend a therapist who can help you with any feelings of anxiety or depression. Likewise, if you are experiencing significant pain, your doctor will prescribe medication or therapy to reduce your pain levels.
4) Contact Our New York Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers Today
At Pulvers Thompson, we have helped many clients who suffered spinal cord injuries recover the compensation they deserve. Not only are victims of spinal cord injuries fighting to recover and learn what their new normal looks like, but they also face seemingly insurmountable medical bills. Seeking compensation through a personal injury lawsuit can help you and your family pay your medical bills and move forward. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can advocate for you.
