subject: Understanding Paralysis by:Mark Dacanay [print this page] One of the most catastrophic injuries a person can sustain in any accident is paralysis.
Paralysis refers to the condition where a person experiences a complete loss of muscle function in one or more muscle groups.
One of the major causes of paralysis is trauma to the spinal cord or the brain that damages a person's nervous system.
Trauma that is strong enough to lead to injuries involving paralysis usually results from:
Automobile accidents
Slip and fall accidents
Diving accidents
Gunshot
Violence
TYPES OF PARALYSIS
The two most common types of paralysis are Paraplegia and Quadriplegia.
Paraplegia
This is a type of paralysis where a person experiences impairment in motor and/or sensory functions in the lower extremities of the body.
This is normally caused by injuries in the spinal cord.
Paraplegia could lead to:
Loss of ability to walk and run, although some patients are able to walk again to some degree usually with the help of a cane or a walking stick.
In some cases, some patients experiences urinary and fecal incontinence (loss of control of urinary and bowel functions).
Some male patients also experience impotence.
Quadriplegia
Quadriplegia, also known as Tetraplegia, refers to the type of paralysis where a person loses all use of all his/her limbs and muscles.
This is normally caused by injuries to the brain and/or the spinal cord.
Paraplegia usually leads to:
Total impairment of all limbs including the torso.
Some patients lose or experience impairment in controlling bowels and urine.
Some patients experience sexual dysfunction and impotence.
Some patients may experience difficulty in performing normal functions like breathing and digesting.
Sensation is also affected and can result to numbness, reduced sensation and/or burning neuropathic pain.
OTHER EFFECTS OF PARALYSIS
An injury involving paralysis is devastating not only to the victim but also to his/her family.
A person who suffers paralysis loses his/her ability to work and earn income. As a result of the injury, the victim's ability to help his/her family is seriously hampered.
The medical treatment for injuries involving paralysis can also be staggering for both the victim and his family. The medical expenses can reach thousands and even millions of dollars every year.
Most paralysis patients are also no longer able to fully care for themselves and needs the assistance of family members.
The worst part is the pain and suffering the victim experiences because of diminished self worth.
A victim of paralysis is usually left with the feeling of being useless and the feeling of being a burden to his/her family.
GETTING BACK UP
The first step to recovery is accepting the condition so that actions can be taken.
If the injury that caused the paralysis was caused by a neglectful act, then legal actions should be taken against the liable party.
All the medical expenses in the past and in the future should be paid and compensation for pain and suffering should also be given.
To help in any legal action and in negotiating with insurance companies, an experienced personal injury attorney will be a valuable asset.
About the author
Our personal injury attorneys are skilled in handling personal injury cases involving paralysis injuries caused by vehicle accident. For consultation, log on to our website at http://www.personalinjurydefenders.com/Paralysis-Injury.html and avail of our free case evaluation.
