Sustaining a serious injury to the spine is one of the most devastating events a person can experience. Trauma to the spine can result in partial or complete loss of sensation and movement, which can create a lifetime of disabilities and challenges.

At John M. O'Brien & Associates, P.C., we recognize the devastating effects associated with spinal cord injuries and are dedicated to helping the injured seek and recover the maximum amount of compensation they are entitled to. Compensation is necessary to cover expensive medical bills, long-term treatment costs and other losses associated with the injury.

Immediate Spinal Cord Injury Treatment

When a person suffers trauma to the spine, he or she will require immediate medical attention. The quality of care that a patient receives immediately following an injury is crucial for patient survival and long-term effects.

Immediately following an accident, the injured patient will be placed on a stiff backboard; his or head and neck will be placed in a special brace to prevent movement. The patient will be rushed to the hospital where he/she will receive emergency care to prevent further injury. Once the patient is admitted to the hospital, he/she will undergo a series of imaging tests to determine the severity of the injury. In cases involving the neck area, patients may experience respiratory problems, which would require breathing assistance.

Spinal cord injury patients may experience inflammation and nerve damage a day or two after the initial injury. Patients require careful monitoring to prevent inflammation from causing further damage. Inflammation occurs when blood pressure and blood flow decrease suddenly. Medication may be prescribed to minimize nerve damage and inflammation.

Surgery may be part of initial treatment. In certain cases, doctors will perform surgery to remove bone fragments, fractured vertebrae or herniated discs that are restricting the spine. This type of surgery is called decompressive surgery. A doctor may also perform surgery to stabilize the spine in severe cases.

Long-term Treatment and Rehabilitation

Once the patient is stable, the next step is rehabilitation. Today, patients can benefit from a number of advanced technologies that have been designed to help with the recovery process. Rehabilitation will usually begin with physical therapy while the patient is still in the hospital. The sooner physical therapy begins, the better the outcome.

Depending on the extent and location of the injury, a patient's physical therapy will likely begin with exercises aimed at strengthening the arms and legs. Early rehabilitation will also help a patient with the following:

• Motor skills
• Every day tasks
• Using assistive technologies such as a wheelchair

Each patient will have different needs. A physical therapist will develop a customized strategy based on your specific circumstances, and will help you and your family adjust to any new limitations and physical challenges you face.

Helping with Permanent Disabilities

Depending on the specific injury, patients may benefit from innovative technologies such as:

• Electronic wheelchair
• Voice-activated computer programs
• Functional neuromuscular stimulation (FNS) to help increase strength
• Implants to help with grabbing objects

Patients may be prescribed certain medications to help with the following:

• Pain control
• Bladder and bowel control
• Prevent infection
• Reduce a risk of blood clots

Compensation Strategies for Spinal Cord Injuries

When a person suffers a spinal cord injury, the emotional suffering, alone, can be difficult to handle as patients and their families learn to adjust to the new limitations that come with paralysis. Add to that the financial loss associated with costly medical bills, expensive treatments and assistive technologies, and the struggle can seem unbearable.

At John M. O'Brien & Associates, P.C., we have committed a large part of our practice to helping people and families affected by spinal cord injuries obtain the financial relief they need to move forward with their lives. If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury, contact our Elk Grove spinal injury attorneys to learn about the resources available for you and your family.