A spinal cord injury can be a nightmare scenario for a Tennessee resident who has been in an accident. It could require a lifetime of treatment, and the victim may never be the same again. There has been some recent progress in treating spinal cord injuries, but patients still struggle. Nonetheless, early treatment can improve results.
Signs that you need to go to a doctor for treatment
You may feel symptoms of a spinal cord injury (SCI) in the days after your accident even if the trauma has not been diagnosed. One of the biggest signs of an SCI is weakness or numbness in your extremities. A feeling of tingling or numbness is a symptom that the nerves are not carrying the messages to locations like your fingers and toes. You might also feel pain or pressure in your head and neck. Even things like incontinence and breathing difficulties could be signs that you need evaluation for an SCI.
Prompt treatment for an SCI is critical
Diagnostic procedures for SCIs have improved greatly over the years, and they allow doctors to quickly understand a patient’s situation. Physicians could immediately begin treatment as soon as they know the extent of the injury. The patient may need surgery to stabilize and treat the area. The longer the patient goes without treatment for an SCI, the more difficult it may be to recover. In addition, they could develop secondary medical conditions that could put their lives in jeopardy.
If you or a loved one have suffered an SCI in an accident, the lifetime costs for treatment can reach into the millions of dollars. You should consult with a personal injury lawyer to learn about your legal options and how you could obtain financial compensation for the damages you have suffered.