One of the most severe injuries that a person can suffer after a road traffic accident is damage to the spinal cord. This type of injury takes two forms, incomplete spinal injuries and complete injuries. Both conditions are serious but the latter is typically lifelong.
With the appropriate treatment, sufferers are often able to live a full life and, in some cases, they make great strides toward recovery. Outlined below are some of the most effective treatments for spinal cord injuries.
Treatment starts at the scene
It is not uncommon to see victims stretchered away from the scene of an accident. The braces and stretchers that paramedics use are designed purposely to prevent movement and thus further damage to the neck or spine. Paramedics are typically first on the scene, and the treatment that they provide cannot be understated. In fact, it is often the difference between life and death.
Surgical treatment is very common
Surgery is one of the most effective forms of treatment for spinal injuries. Throughout this process, surgeons will look to repair what damage they can, remove bone fragments and set the patient up for the best possible recovery.
Experimental options can provide relief
While severe spinal cord injuries are lifelong, treatments are advancing all the time. There are many experimental treatments out there and the early indications show that they can be effective. Some studies show that inducing hypothermia can significantly reduce inflammation. There are also numerous studies that are looking into the possibility of promoting nerve regeneration.
The treatment options outlined above are not cheap. If you have been injured in a car accident caused by negligence, you may be entitled to compensation that can help with your medical costs. Seeking legal guidance will give you a better idea of what to do next.