Long-term Treatments for Victims of Spinal Cord Injury
This post was written by Andrea Girones:
While scientists are hopeful that they will someday be able to cure spinal cord injuries, they are not able to do so yet. If you have suffered a spinal cord injury in an accident, you may require ongoing treatments and therapies to help you lead an independent and pain-free life. Some therapies are expensive and may not be fully covered by your health insurance. Our experienced spinal cord accident lawyers can help you to obtain financial compensation so that you can receive the treatments that you need to maximize your recovery and your quality of life.
After you receive the acute care that you need following your accident, you will likely require several weeks or months of rehabilitation therapy. Depending on the severity of your injury, this may be an intensive program that requires you to live at the rehabilitation facility. In addition to doctors and nurses, you may work with physical therapists, occupational therapists, dieticians, social workers and psychologists. Rehabilitation therapy focuses on maintaining and strengthening existing muscle function and teaching new skills and techniques to allow affected individuals to adapt to their injuries. Therapists will teach you how to accomplish daily tasks using new skills, equipment and technology.
Some victims of spinal cord accidents find it is necessary to take medication on an ongoing basis after their accident. Medications may be prescribed to improve bladder control or sexual functioning. Medications can also be used to control spasticity of the muscles, if this is a problem following a spinal cord injury. Many people who have suffered a spinal cord injury suffer from chronic pain. Antidepressants, anti-seizure medication and steroids are able to relieve long-term chronic pain in some cases. No one medication has been found to be effective at treating all forms on chronic pain caused by spinal cord injury.
There is a plethora of equipment and technologies that have been developed to help those who have suffered a spinal cord injury to retain their independence and mobility. Modern wheelchairs can provide their users with capabilities such as climbing stairs and reaching high places. Computer adaptations, such as voice recognition software, can help accident victims remain socially connected and return to work. Functional electrical stimulation systems use electronic stimulation to control muscles, which may allow some victims of spinal cord injury to move paralyzed limbs.
Therapies, medication and equipment required by a person with a spinal cord injury can be very expensive. Let our spinal cord accident lawyers ensure that you receive the best treatment possible by negotiating the financial settlement that you deserve.
