Evaluating Spinal Cord Injuries

The experienced Oakland, California attorneys at Van Blois & Associates understand that proper evaluation of a spinal cord injury (SCI) is crucial to obtaining maximum recoverable damages on behalf of an injured victim.  In each case we take on, we work to ensure that our clients receive the proper testing they need to allow for a full diagnosis of their injuries.

Testing

To determine if an SCI has occurred, doctors typically begin by testing functions such as feeling and movement in the limbs and extremities.  Further diagnostic tests can include:

• X-rays: X-rays can reveal if any vertebrae have been broken or if there is another problem with the spine.
• CT scan: If the x-ray reveals problems, a CT scan can provide a better view of the spine, identifying any disk or bone problems.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): MRIs are very helpful for looking at the spinal cord and identifying anything, such as a herniated disk, blood clot, or broken bone that might be pressing on the spinal cord nerves.
• Myelography: A dye is injected into the spinal area and then x-rays or a CT scan are performed, providing a better view of the nerves in the spinal cord.

Types of Spinal Cord Injuries

The location of an SCI often determines its severity.  Typically, the higher on the spinal cord the injury occurs, the more serious the injury is, because typically it is the nerves below the point of injury that are affected. 

The location of an SCI is typically referred to in terms of the level of the vertebrae supporting the spinal cord.  The top of the spinal cord consists of the cervical nerves, supported by the C1 through the C8 and T1 vertebrae.  The thoracic nerves are protected by T2 through T12, while the lumbar nerves are protected by L1 though L5, and the sacral nerves are protected by S1 through S5. 

The most serious SCIs cause paralysis, which is often permanent.  Tetraplegia (also called quadriplegia) occurs when the spinal cord is damaged between the C1 and T1 vertebrae and affects the head, neck, arms, hands, and chest. Paraplegia occurs between the T2 and S5 vertebrae and generally affects areas including the chest, stomach, hips, legs, and feet.

Seek Experienced Legal Counsel

If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury, getting the proper testing and evaluation is crucial to obtaining the best medical care and ensuring you can obtain the maximum recovery to which you are entitled.  To schedule a consultation to discuss your case with us, contact Van Blois & Associates today or call us at 888-327-4453.