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Lavelle Partners Recognise World Spinal Cord Injury Day

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The International Spinal Cord Society has designated the 5th of September each year as World Spinal Cord Injury Day, an international day to increase awareness and knowledge of this type of injury.

What is a Spinal Cord Injury?

A spinal cord injury (“SCI”) is damage to the cells and nerves that sends and receives signals from the brain to and from the rest of the body. The spinal cord extends from the lower part of the brain down through the lower back.

Types of SCI

A SCI may be classed as complete or incomplete. People with incomplete injuries retain some sensory function and may have some control of muscle activity but people with a complete injury means that there is no nerve communication below the injury site.

Causes of SCI

Some of the most common causes of spinal cord injuries are Road Traffic Accidents, and catastrophic falls, sports injuries, medical or surgical injuries and other diseases and conditions that can damage the spinal cord.

Symptoms of SCI

  • Paralysis
  • Pain or pressure in your head, neck, or back
  • Loss of movement
  • Weakness or inability to move any part of the body
  • Loss of bladder and bowel control
  • Difficulty breathing

Delays in Diagnosis and Treatment

Delays in diagnosing and treating a SCI can lead to serious symptoms and permanent disability.

Errors made during surgery could lead to damaged nerves. In particular, where cauda equina syndrome is not diagnosed or treated, patients can suffer permanent physical and neurological injuries.

In certain circumstances, a person may be able to bring a SCI claim as a result of negligence.

Spinal Injuries Ireland

In Ireland, the Spinal Injuries Ireland (“SII”) organisation are Ireland’s only dedicated support service for the people in Ireland living with a spinal cord injury and their 20,000 family members. Many clients’ of Lavelle Partners have worked closely with SII and they have delivered time after time for those in need.

SII offer a range of services enabling them to work directly with people and families living with spinal cord injuries, including community outreach officers, peer support and professional counselling services.

For Further Information

For advice or should you need to speak to a solicitor about any spinal related injuries, please contact Avril Scally, Partner and Head of our award-winning Medical Negligence Team.