Spinal damage

Spinal damage (also known as Spinal Cord Trauma) generally defines trauma or damage to the spinal cord.   The spinal cord is vulnerable to damage when the spinal column has been damaged or broken.

The spinal cord runs from the base of the skull down the length of the back. It's main purpose is to carry neural signals from the brain to the rest of the body. Damage to the spinal cord will affect it's ability to carry these signals and will therefore affect control and mobility of the body.

The level of injury and loss of mobility will be dependent upon how badly the spinal cord has been injured and where in the spine the injury has occurred.
The level of spinal damage will be directly related to the medical care and rehabilitation that the individual receives. The care of an injured spine should begin at the scene of the injury where the neck and back should be immobilised.

Common symptoms

• Paralysis
• Loss of sensation
• Loss of reflex function
• Loss of bladder / bowel control
• Loss of use of limbs
• Difficulty breathing
• Muscle spasms
• Sexual dysfunction
• Painful and difficult breathing

Common causes

• Road traffic accident
• Accidents at work
• Falling from height
• Sports and recreational injury
• Medical negligence

Suggested action to take

• Seek medical advice
• If the injury has happened as a result of an accident that was not your fault you should seek specialist legal advice