| Read Time: 4 minutes | Medical Malpractice
how does a spinal cord injury affect the brain

A spinal cord injury (SCI) is a life-altering event with far-reaching consequences, not only for the spinal cord but also for the brain. If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury caused by medical negligence, understanding how these two essential systems are interconnected is critical.

At Poulos & Coates, LLP, we focus exclusively on medical malpractice cases and offer unmatched expertise. Our team includes a medical doctor and two nurses who collaborate with our attorneys to provide thorough case evaluations. This combination of medical and legal knowledge ensures we can identify medical negligence and fight for the justice you deserve.

In this article, we’ll answer the question, How does a spinal cord injury affect the brain? Additionally, we will outline scenarios where medical negligence may be a factor and explain how Poulos & Coates can assist you in determining whether you have a case.

The Critical Link Between the Brain and Spinal Cord

The brain and spinal cord form the central nervous system (CNS), a complex communication network responsible for regulating most bodily functions. This system facilitates movement, sensation, and the coordination of critical functions like breathing and heartbeat. When a spinal cord injury disrupts this network, the effects can cascade into the brain.

Can Spinal Cord Injury Cause Brain Damage?

While a spinal cord injury primarily affects the spine, its complications can extend to the brain. These indirect effects, such as reduced oxygen flow, swelling, or secondary injuries, can impair brain function. This link underscores the importance of immediate and proper medical intervention to prevent further harm.

How Does a Spinal Cord Injury Affect the Brain?

1. Reduced Blood Flow and Oxygen Supply

The spinal cord is essential for maintaining proper circulation. Severe injuries can result in reduced blood flow and oxygen delivery to the brain. When the brain is deprived of oxygen—a condition known as cerebral hypoxia—brain cells can become damaged, leading to cognitive issues, memory loss, or even permanent disabilities. These complications can worsen without proper treatment and significantly impact quality of life.

2. Inflammation and Swelling

Spinal cord injuries often trigger an inflammatory response, causing swelling that may travel upward. If inflammation reaches the brain, it can disrupt normal brain function or cause complications like encephalopathy. Early medical intervention is vital to manage swelling and reduce the risk of secondary brain damage.

3. Neurological Dysregulation

The spinal cord serves as the brain’s communication highway, transmitting signals that control movement and sensation. A damaged spinal cord interrupts this signal flow, leading to a range of neurological issues. Victims may experience coordination problems, loss of motor skills, or even emotional and behavioral changes due to altered brain activity. These symptoms often require extensive rehabilitation and therapy to manage.

4. Emotional and Psychological Consequences

The emotional toll of a spinal cord injury should not be underestimated. Trauma, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are common in SCI victims. These psychological challenges can alter brain chemistry, creating additional barriers to recovery. Support from mental health professionals and a strong network of family and friends is crucial for coping with these challenges.

Medical Negligence and Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries can occur in various ways, including medical errors. When healthcare providers fail to meet the standard of care, their negligence can lead to life-altering consequences.

Common examples of medical malpractice involving spinal cord injuries include:

  • Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis. Failing to identify a spinal injury promptly can result in irreversible damage. Proper diagnosis is essential for timely intervention and preventing further complications.
  • Surgical errors. Mistakes during spinal surgeries, such as nerve damage or improper fusion techniques, can exacerbate injuries. These errors often lead to prolonged recovery times and additional surgeries.
  • Medication errors. Incorrect anesthesia administration or dosage errors can harm the spinal cord or brain. Such mistakes may cause permanent damage that proper care could have prevented.

If you suspect medical negligence played a role in your spinal cord injury, Poulos & Coates, LLP is here to help. Our team’s extensive experience in both medicine and law allows us to identify whether your injury resulted from substandard care.

Poulos & Coates Stands out as a Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer

At Poulos & Coates, LLP, we bring over a century of combined legal experience and a proven track record in medical malpractice cases. Our firm’s unique approach combines the expertise of trial lawyers with the insights of medical professionals.

Here’s why we’re the right choice for your case:

  • Specialized focus. We are the only New Mexico law firm exclusively dedicated to medical malpractice cases. This specialization allows us to focus entirely on representing victims of medical negligence.
  • In-house medical expertise. With a medical doctor and two nurses on staff, we can evaluate your case comprehensively and locate qualified experts to strengthen your claim. This level of in-house expertise sets us apart from other firms.
  • Proven success. We’ve secured over half a billion dollars in gross recoveries for our clients through settlements and trial verdicts. Our track record demonstrates our commitment to achieving justice for our clients.

Each of these strengths helps ensure you receive the best representation possible during this challenging time.

Why You Need a New Mexico Spinal Cord Injury Attorney

Navigating medical malpractice claims is complex, requiring both legal and medical expertise. As the leading New Mexico spinal cord injury attorney team, we provide compassionate guidance through every step of the legal process. From filing your claim to preparing for trial, we are your advocates for justice.

Contact Poulos & Coates Today

If you’re wondering how does a spinal cord injury affect the brain or suspect that medical negligence contributed to your injury, Poulos & Coates, LLP is here to help. With a dedicated team of attorneys, a medical doctor, and nurses on staff, we offer unparalleled support and expertise.

We’ll evaluate your case with you and work tirelessly to secure the justice and compensation you deserve. Call us today at 575-404-7412 or fill out our online contact form for a free consultation and learn why we are New Mexico’s choice for medical malpractice representation.

Author Photo

Greig Coates, M.D., J.D.

Over the last thirty years, Dr. Coates has successfully represented plaintiffs in every conceivable type of medical malpractice lawsuit–from single-physician cases to complex litigation involving over a dozen doctors and several hospitals. Dr. Coates has taken several thousand physician depositions in his career involving every known physician specialty and sub-specialty, and almost as many depositions involving hospital personnel such as nurses, techs, and administrators. He has tried several dozen cases to successful verdicts.

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