According to www.sci-info-pages.com, a website of caregivers centred on spinal cord injuries, about 250,000 Americans have a spinal cord injury. A little over half, or 52% of spinal cord injured are paraplegic; an impairment in motor and sensory function of the lower extremities. 47% of the injured are quadriplegic; which is paralysis caused by illness or injury which results in partial or total loss of use of all the limbs and torso.
Vehicular accidents make up for 37% of the cause of spinal cord injury (SCI), followed by violent assault at 28%, falls are at 21%, and sports-related injuries amount to 6% of total spinal injuries. The majority of spinal cord injuries typically occur between the ages of 16-30 when an individual is usually the most physically active. This spinal trauma results in morbidity and also includes respiratory deficiency, bladder and bowel dysfunction and loss of motor and sensory functions. With the advent of these secondary complications from the initial spinal injury requires the patient to undergo physical and medical care for a longer period time.
Since motor vehicle accidents are the primary cause of spinal cord injury, the CDC has come up with safety measures to help prevent the occurrence of SCI. Also, it should be noted that you should never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol for the obvious impairment issues related to such activity.
About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper, Lewis & Appleton personal injury law firm (VA-NC law offices ) edits the injury law blogs Virginia Beach Injuryboard, Norfolk Injuryboard, and Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard as a pro bono service to consumers.
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One Comment
Jan Boswell
Great facts, Jim. I have taken care of many spinal cord injury patients through the years of my practice. Spinal cord injury patients are at increased risk for infection and pressure sores. We should all take care in our automobiles. Another important tip, don't text or talk and drive.
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