Complete Vs. Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury
What is the difference between a "complete injury" and an "incomplete injury"? Persons with an incomplete injury have some spared sensory or motor function below the level of injury – the spinal cord was not totally damaged or disrupted. In a complete injury, nerve damage obstructs every signal coming from the brain to the body parts below the injury.
According to a new study, only one in seven of those who were completely paralyzed after injury recovered a significant amount of movement. Of those who still had some movement in their legs immediately after injury, three out of four got significantly better. About 2/3 of those with neck injuries who could feel the sharpness of a pin-stick in their legs eventually got enough muscle strength to be able to walk. Of those with neck injuries who could only feel light touch, about 1 in 8 could eventually walk. The report concluded that the sooner muscles start working again, the better the chances are of additional recovery. But when muscles come back later - after the first several weeks - they are more likely to be in the arms than in the legs.
While there's almost always hope of recovering function after a spinal cord injury, it is generally true that people with incomplete injuries have a better chance of getting some return. As long as there is some improvement and additional muscles recovering function, the chances are better that more improvement is possible. The longer there is no improvement, the lower the odds it will start to happen on its own.
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury, call VanDerGinst Law at 1-866-843-7367 or click here for a FREE online case evaluation. The initial consultation is free of charge. If we agree to handle your injury case, we will work on a contingency fee basis, which means we get paid for our services only if, and when, there is a money recovery for you. In many cases a lawsuit must be filed before an applicable expiration date, known as a statute of limitations. So please call right away to ensure that you do not waive your right to possible compensation.
