Atlanta Spinal Cord Injury Explained

A spinal cord injury can occurs when the vertebrae are dislocated or fractured due to a sudden blow. If ligaments, disc material, or bone fragments bruise or tear the spinal cord tissue, the axons, or nerve fibers, may be cut or damaged. If the spinal cord blood vessels are ruptured, heavy bleeding may occur, spreading into other sections of the spine.

After a traumatic blow, the spinal cord may swell, completely filling the entire spinal canal cavity. The swelling can result in a loss of blood flow, which also cuts off the oxygen to the spinal tissue. Blood pressure can also drop, interfering with electrical activity in the spinal cord. These conditions may lead to spinal shock, which can last for hours or even days.

During spinal shock, parts of the spinal cord that were not damaged may be temporarily disabled and unable to communicate with the brain. This may lead to paralysis, which is a loss of sensation and reflexes in the limbs.

The initial injury to the spinal cord may lead to a series of events that kill the spinal neurons and strip the spinal cord of its myelin insulation. An inflammatory immune system response may also be triggered during this time. After this second wave of damage occurs, the extent of the injuries may be increased.

After a spinal cord injury, the blood flow around the injured section of the spine may cause internal bleeding and spread to other uninjured areas. Blood flow to the injured site will also be significantly reduced, a condition which may last for up to 24 hours. This decreased blood flow affects the gray matter, which consists of nerve fibers and axons. As the cells begin to swell and blood flow is reduced, the neurons, which are deprived of oxygen, begin to die.

The body may also begin releasing neurotransmitters. When released in excessive amounts, these chemicals, which allow neurons to signal to each other, can trigger a process called excitotoxicity, which disrupts normal cell processes and begins to kill neurons and other cells that protect the axons.

If you have recently suffered a spinal cord injury, contact The Lee Webb Law Office today. They will help you fight for the compensation you deserve for your medical treatments, lost wages, and pain and suffering.