What are the treatment options for a spinal cord injury?

Spinal cord damage is generally irreversible and permanent. Although patients rarely fully recover the strength and abilities they possessed prior to such a devastating injury, treatment can focus on minimizing the damage and preparing the patient for his or her new set of drastically changed needs.

The early stages of spinal cord injury treatment:

 

After taking emergency action to minimize the damage done to the patient’s body, doctors focus on:

• Immobilizing the head and neck

• Preventing the patient from going into shock

• Monitoring the patient’s ability to breathe

• Avoiding life-threatening complications like blood clots

 

The patient may also undergo surgery to remove fractured vertebrae, herniated discs, or any other deformities present.

 

Ongoing spinal cord injury treatment:

After the patient is stable, doctors will monitor his condition to ensure no long-term health problems develop, including ulcers and muscle contractures. After this, the patient may be sent to a rehabilitation facility.

 

In rehabilitation, a spinal cord injury patient will typically be educated about the potential ongoing risks of their condition, and what to do to prevent complications. They’ll be taught new skills to regain self-sufficiency. Patients will often need to undergo psychological and emotional rehabilitation to adjust to what has happened. Many patients will adopt technological aids to help with day-to-day life, such as electric wheelchairs or adaptations for computer use.

 

What is recovery time and prognosis for a spinal cord injury patient?

If any recovery from a spinal cord injury occurs, the improvement is usually seen within the first six months to one year.

 

If you’ve been in a car accident in New Jersey and need a spinal cord injury consultation, please call us at 866-609-4448 or fill out our contact form.