Paralysis
Paralysis is the most serious type of spinal cord injury. Paralysis is defined as complete loss of control of a muscle or muscle group. A case of paralysis can be localized or generalized (global). Localized paralysis affects a specific region of the body, such as one arm, one side of the face, etc. Generalized paralysis refers to a loss of sensation throughout the body.
Paralysis - Temporary vs. Permanent
In addition to being localized or generalized, a case of paralysis can either be temporary or permanent. Temporary paralysis is typically brought on by swelling or pressure on the nervous system resulting from a spinal cord injury of some kind. Swelling/pressure is capable of inhibiting certain nervous system functions, preventing the victim from moving all or part of their body. When the swelling/pressure associated with temporary paralysis subsides, nervous system functionality is able to return.
Permanent paralysis has no curable treatment. Since there is no modality through which to treat dead spinal cord tissue, sufferers of permanent paralysis face lifelong impairment of affected nervous system functionality. Early treatment of paralysis could mean the difference between a case of temporary paralysis and a case of permanent paralysis; the longer a person suffers from paralysis, the more likely it will be permanent.
Detecting Paralysis
The spinal cord is responsible for regulating the body's flow of nerve activity below the head. Practically every voluntary muscle in the body is dependent on the sensory signals and nerve stimulation of the spinal cord. When the spinal cord is damaged in such a way that paralysis is the result, the victim will experience a variety of symptoms.
Paralysis is first detected as a numbness or loss of motion/sensation in the limbs or extremities. At the onset of paralytic symptoms, it is vital that the victim refrain from engaging in any activity that could aggravate the injury further. Early detection and treatment of the afflicted area of the spinal cord could mean the difference between a case of temporary paralysis and a case of permanent paralysis.
Paralysis and Auto Accidents
Auto accidents often cause serious spinal cord injuries. If the trauma is severe enough, it could result in temporary or permanent paralysis. Studies have estimated that as many as 55% of all paralysis cases result from an auto accident of some kind (truck, motorcycle or car accident).
Spinal cord injuries incurred as a result of auto accidents are typically associated with vehicular rollovers and roof crushing. When a rollover accident causes roof crush, passenger space is severely depleted, often contorting the victim into positions that put extreme stress on the spinal cord, in some cases causing paralysis.
Although auto accidents are typically associated with driver negligence, they can often be the result of automobile defects. Automobile manufacturers are required to perform a series of roof crush tests to ensure that their vehicles can withstand the force of a vehicular rollover. Spinal cord injuries that are caused as a result of automobile defects might warrant victim compensation. Justice Lawyers are some of the most experienced personal injury lawyers Pensacola, Florida has to offer. Contact the law offices of Justice Lawyers today to get information about paralysis victims' right to compensation.
Other Causes of Paralysis
Although paralysis is often the result of physical trauma to the spinal cord during an auto accident, the debilitating injury can be caused by a variety of other factors:
- Stroke: stroke victims often experience localized paralysis.
- Trauma: paralysis can also result from other types of trauma aside from car accidents, such as work accidents, sports accidents, etc.
- Spina Bifida: this disease is caused by a birth defect that results in the incomplete closure of one or more of the vertebral arches, leading to spinal cord malformations.
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS): affecting both the spinal cord and brain, severe cases of MS can lead to paralysis.
The attorneys of the Law Office of Justice Lawyers are personal injury lawyers in Pensacola who protect victims of auto accidents, personal injury, wrongful death, defective drugs, consumer fraud, insurance fraud, product defects and defective medical devices, such as Guidant and Medtronic Pacemakers, and potentially harmful drugs, such as Ortho Evra. When you think of the top personal injury lawyers or car accident lawyers in Pensacola, think of Justice Lawyers.