A closer look at what “paralysis” means after a serious Florida car crash injury.

Paralysis, to most people, means a complete loss of feeling and movement of the limbs. But spinal cord injuries are very different in the way they damage the spinal column and cord, and how the all important nerve cells are affected. Therefore, no two victims of auto accidents with spinal injuries will experience the same symptoms.

Doctors will first classify paralysis as “complete” or “incomplete.” Complete paralysis results in the complete loss of function below the point of injury (POI). Fortunately, most spinal cord injuries result in incomplete paralysis allowing some feeling and/or movement below the POI. This is in part due to the emergency care team’s focus on immediately reducing the compression of the spinal cord due to swelling, broken bones and foreign matter.

Incomplete paralysis varies widely, depending on the location of the injury and damage to the cord and nerve cells. The five basic types of incomplete paralysis are:

• Anterior cord syndrome: This is caused by damage to the front of the spinal cord and results in impaired movement as well as loss of touch, pain and temperature sensation below the POI. In most cases, some movement can be recovered with time.

• Central cord syndrome: When damage occurs to the center of the spinal cord, it can result in paralysis of the arms, but some leg function is preserved. Here again, some recovery is possible.

• Posterior cord syndrome: This appears when the back of the spinal cord is hurt; the victim will lose movement and preserve sensation on one side of the body, and experience the reverse on the other side.

• Cauda Equina lesion: When the nerves of the lower first and second lumbar region are injured, the patient will experience partial or complete loss of sensation. Sometimes, the nerves will regenerate and the sensory function will recover.

Florida victims of car accidents involving spinal cord or traumatic brain injuries are facing terrible challenges. If the accident was caused by the negligence or recklessness of someone else, they could be entitled to compensation for medical and rehabilitation treatment, home care and adaptive services, loss of income, pain and suffering.

A claim of this size and complexity will however be fought vigorously by the defendant which is why a legal counsel like Johnson & Gilbert can offer a crucial support. If you or someone you love has been injured in a car crash in the state of Florida, call the Daytona Beach attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert today toll free at (800) 556-8890 and locally at (386) 673-4412 or fill out the form on this page for a free consultation.