Common Symptoms and Complications of Spinal Cord Injuries

Las Vegas, Nevada, is a fast-paced city with busy roadways, large construction zones, and constant activity driven by tourism and a growing population. With so many people on the move each day, the risk of serious accidents resulting in catastrophic injuries remains a reality.

Catastrophic injuries, such as spinal cord injuries, can dramatically alter a person’s life by affecting movement, sensation, and other essential bodily functions. Even minor spinal injuries may lead to significant physical, emotional, and financial challenges that threaten an individual’s independence, mobility, and overall quality of life.

Because spinal cord injuries can be life-changing and difficult to understand, many victims seek guidance from a Las Vegas spinal cord injury attorney to explore their legal options and protect their rights. Since these injuries may not be immediately apparent after an accident, recognizing common warning signs is critical to taking prompt action and safeguarding long-term health.

1.  Loss Of Movement

The spine is a vital part of the body, connecting the brain to the rest of the nervous system. An injury to the spine can leave a victim unable to perform certain tasks due to loss of mobility. This loss may range from difficulty moving a finger to permanent partial paralysis of the legs.

2.  Reduced or Lost Sensation

If sensation below the injury is decreased or absent, this is also a typical sign of SCI (spinal cord injury). Victims may experience numbness, tingling, or a lack of feeling in parts of the body. This numbness makes it hard for them to feel temperature or pain, so they may not notice if something is too hot or too cold and end up with burns or frostbite.

That said, the lack of sensation also affects balance and coordination, making daily activities more difficult.

3.  Difficulty Breathing

By contrast, in spinal cord injuries affecting the upper spine, it may be the body’s ability to breathe properly that is undermined. Some people may feel shortness of breath, have difficulty taking deep breaths, or need more help from breathing devices.

4.  Loss Of Bladder Control

Injury to the spinal cord can disrupt signals from the brain to the bladder, leading to loss of bladder control. Victims may suffer from incontinence or be unable to empty the bladder. This is not only inconvenient to live with but also predisposes women to urinary infections.

5.  Loss Of Bowel Control

Like bladder problems, many people have partial to total loss of control over bowel function. This can result in constipation, incontinence, or difficulty controlling when and where stools are evacuated.

To manage bowel control problems, most people need individualized treatment plans that may include dietary changes, medications, or scheduled bowel-emptying times to achieve and maintain comfort and avoid complications.

Take Away

There is a variety of symptoms associated with spinal cord injury severity, and it substantially affects everyday living. Remember these important points:

• Paralysis is frequently among the earliest and severest symptoms of spinal cord injury.
• Diminished feeling increases the risk of undetected injuries and compromises coordination.
• The loss of bladder and bowel control can result in infections and long-term medical needs.
• Early diagnosis, routine treatment, and adequate support can help prevent complications and increase quality of life.