Complete vs. Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury

What is a Spinal Cord Injury?

A spinal cord injury occurs when any part of the spinal cord or spinal cord nerves is damaged. Unfortunately, spinal cord injuries are permanent and cause changes to various body functions and sensations below the site of injury. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that the top cause of spinal cord injuries is motor vehicle accidents, followed by falls and violent acts.

Spinal cord injuries are categorized into two different types — complete and incomplete. Here are the differences between the two.

The Characteristics of a Complete and Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury

Both types of spinal cord injuries affect the levels of movement and sensation someone experiences after sustaining a spinal cord injury.

• Complete Spinal Cord Injury – Characterized by a total loss of movement, motor control, and feeling in the body.
• Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury – Characterized by having partial feeling, sensory and motor control of the body.

Symptoms of a Spinal Cord Injury

Following a severe spinal cord injury, someone may experience the following:

• Extreme pain and pressure to the back, neck, and head.
• Weakness or paralysis of the body.
• Loss of sensation, tingling, or numbness in the hands, fingers, feet, or toes.
• Loss of bladder control.
• Difficulty walking or balancing.
• Breathing and respiratory problems.
• Swallowing difficulties.

In some cases, spinal cord injury symptoms may not show up for days, so getting medical attention immediately after sustaining a spinal cord injury can help reduce the risk of the condition worsening.

When You Need Help After a Spinal Cord Injury.

Spinal cord injuries can come with many challenges that can pose life-threatening consequences — not to mention long-term treatments and therapies that can be extremely taxing for spinal cord injury victims and their families.

Serious Injuries Need Strong Attorneys. If you have suffered a spinal cord injury due to the careless actions of another party, we are here to be your advocate. We’ll support you every step of the way and work tirelessly to ensure you receive the most successful outcome possible.

Contact today at (417) 887-4300. For challenging legal matters, we are here for you.