Spinal cord damage can be a life-altering injury. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of a spinal cord injury early on can improve the prognosis and quality of life for those affected.
One of the most notable spinal cord injury symptoms is loss of sensation or movement.
If you experience decreased sensation or movement of your limbs following a failed surgery or medical malpractice, seeking medical treatment is imperative.
Read on to learn more about the signs and symptoms of a spinal cord injury and what to do after malpractice in New Mexico. If you have questions, please contact us today.
What Is Considered a Spinal Cord Injury?
A spinal cord injury refers to any damage to the spinal cord. The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves responsible for transmitting signals from your brain to the rest of your body.
When the spinal cord suffers damage, the signal transmission is temporarily or permanently disrupted.
Common Symptoms of a Spinal Cord Injury
The symptoms of a spinal cord injury vary depending on the severity and level of injury. In general, some common spinal cord injury symptoms may include:
- Loss of movement or sensation. Injured victims may find it difficult or impossible to move or control certain body parts below the level of injury. You might also experience a decrease in your ability to feel heat, cold, or touch.
- Pain or discomfort. Pain can be due to damage to the spinal cord or nerve pain in the areas around the injury.
- Changes in sexual function. Some individuals might notice a decrease in sexual sensitivity, changes in sexual function, or a change in fertility.
- Difficulty breathing. In severe cases, individuals might find breathing difficult to do independently due to the impact on the nerves that control breathing.
It’s essential to seek medical treatment immediately if you suspect a spinal cord injury. In many cases, these injuries require significant medical care, rehab, and modifications to the home.
Recognizing the Signs of a Spinal Cord Injury
Not all spinal cord injuries result in immediate symptoms. In some instances, symptoms can appear gradually as swelling and bleeding affect the spinal cord. Here are some signs to watch for:
- Intense back or neck pain. If you experience a significant trauma followed by severe back or neck pain, it could be a sign of a spinal cord injury.
- Weakness or paralysis. Any sign of weakness, incoordination, or paralysis after a traumatic incident warrants immediate medical attention.
- Numbness or tingling. A feeling of numbness or tingling in the hands, fingers, feet, or toes can be an early warning sign.
- Loss of bladder or bowel control. If you experience a change in bowel or bladder control, it could be a sign of nerve damage related to a spinal cord injury.
- Unusual positioning of the head or spine. If the head or spine is positioned oddly, it could indicate a spinal cord injury.
Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any signs and symptoms of a spinal cord injury.
Contact a New Mexico Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer
Spinal cord injuries are severe, and they can have long-lasting impacts. Early recognition and prompt medical intervention can make a difference in recovery outcomes.
At Poulos & Coates, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these injuries can have on you and your entire family. Our experienced team works hard to protect your rights.
We fight tirelessly to help you secure the compensation you deserve. You should be focused on your recovery, not fighting an insurance company. With a medical doctor and nurse on staff, our lawyers are uniquely positioned to help evaluate your claim value.
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury due to medical malpractice or negligence in New Mexico, please contact us to schedule an initial consultation.
Victor Poulos
Vic Poulos & Greig Coates became law partners in April of 2002, when the two medical malpractice litigators merged their offices, combining what is now over seventy years of litigation experience, to form Poulos & Coates, LLP. Licensed to practice before all State Courts of Texas, New Mexico, Iowa, and Kansas. Licensed to practice before the United States District Courts of Kansas, Iowa, New Mexico, and Texas (Western, Eastern, Southern, and Northern Districts of Texas), as well as the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit and the U.X. Ax Court.
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