DECEMBER 20, 2019
What are the causes of cervical spine injuries in the United States?
Just under half of all cervical spine injuries in the United States are the result of motor vehicle accidents, which can occur for a variety of reasons.
What are the causes of cervical spine injuries in the United States? What signs and symptoms should individuals watch for following a motor vehicle accident? Just under half of all cervical spinal cord injuries in the United States are the result of motor vehicle accidents. These injuries can occur when the headrest isn't at the proper height, if the individual's head strikes the steering wheel or window, or if the individual is ejected from the vehicle during the collision. When these injuries are suspected, individuals should watch closely for signs of breathing problems, changes to heart rate, and loss of balance/coordination, as these can indicate potentially life-threatening problems.
Spinal Cord Injuries
It is estimated that there are 12,000 cervical spinal cord injuries in the United States each year. Of these, 38-42% are the result of motor vehicle accidents. By comparison, 32% are because of falls, 14% because of violent acts, and about 8% are the results of sports activities. Nationwide, it is estimated that between 247,000 and 358,000 individuals live with a spinal cord injury. Males are at the greatest risk and account for approximately 78% of all spinal cord injuries, and the average age at time of injury is 43.
Cervical spine injuries can occur in every type of motor vehicle accident. Over the years, studies have shown that more severe injuries typically occur in side and frontal impacts, with more milder injuries typically suffered in rear-end collisions.
Recognizing Emergency Signs and Symptoms
Cervical spine injuries are not always readily apparent. As such, individuals need to closely monitor themselves for signs and symptoms of the injury. These include intense back pain or pressure on the head, neck, or back. They include weakness or paralysis of any part of the body, as well as tingling and loss of sensation in hands, fingers, feet, and toes. Other signs of spinal cord damage include loss of bowel or bladder control, loss of balance, difficulty walking, and critically, difficulty breathing. These symptoms will typically present themselves within 24-72 hours following a suspected injury.
Long-Term Impact on Quality of Life & Mortality
A cervical spine injury can cause lifelong changes following a motor vehicle accident. These include loss of range of motion, loss of sensation, and loss of bowel or bladder control. Individuals may also experience uncontrolled spasms, overactive reflexes, and diminished sexual function. In many cases, individuals suffer persistent paresthesia following a spine injury. These consequences of the injury can adversely affect the individual's quality of life, personal relationships, and ability to work. It can also shorten lifespan and an estimated 9.4% of individuals who suffer a cervical spinal cord injury experience premature death.
Bull Attorneys is a Wichita law firm with cervical spine injury attorneys, car accident lawyers, truck accident lawyers, auto accident attorneys, lawyers, and abogados who represent spine injury victims.
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