Spinal cord injury (SCI) occurs when a traumatic event results in damage to cells within the spinal cord or severs the nerve tracts that relay signals up and down the spinal cord. The most common types of SCI include contusion (bruising of the spinal cord) and compression (caused by pressure on the spinal cord). Other types of injuries include lacerations (severing or tearing of some nerve fibers, such as damage caused by a gun shot wound), and central cord syndrome (specific damage to the corticospinal tracts of the cervical region of the spinal cord). Severe SCI often causes paralysis (loss of control over voluntary movement and muscles of the body) and loss of sensation and reflex function below the point of injury, including autonomic activity such as breathing and other activities such as bowel and bladder control. Other symptoms such as pain or sensitivity to stimuli, muscle spasms, and sexual dysfunction may develop over time. SCI patients are also prone to develop secondary medical problems, such as bladder infections, lung infections, and bed sores.

The leading causes of SCI vary by age. Among persons under age 65, automobile and other motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause. Among persons over 65, falls cause most SCIs. Other causes include:

• Workplace accidents
• Diving accidents
• Electric shock
• Bullet or stab wounds
• Extreme twisting of the trunk
• Sports injuries (landing on head)

Spinal cord injuries can be severe and life altering. If you or a loved one have suffered as a result of a spinal cord injury and would like a free evaluation of your case by our attorneys and physicians who specialize in the field, contact The Law Offices of Robert A. D'Iorio and Associates, PLLC by visiting our contact page.