Spinal cord injuries can result from many different issues. One cause of spinal cord injury is an accident, such as a work related issue or a car accident. If your loved one has recently been involved in an accident and you suspect that they may have sustained a spinal cord injury, taking them to a doctor is very important. Diagnosing a spinal cord injury early could mean that there are more treatment and recovery options available to your loved one. But how do doctors diagnose spinal cord injuries? What is your loved one in store for once they reach the hospital? You can find out here.
Image Testing
Image testing is the most common way that doctors and medical professionals diagnose spinal cord injuries. If your loved one shows common symptoms of this type of injury, they might then go through image testing to establish a proper diagnosis and the extent of the issue.
The best way to diagnose a spinal cord injury is through a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) test. The MRI machine uses radio waves, a magnetic field, and a computer to provide a detailed image of a person’s spine. Medical professionals can see the spinal cord itself as well as disks, vertebrae, and spaces between vertebrae.
The MRI machine currently provides the best imaging testing for spinal cord injuries, however, it does have its limitations. If patients are acutely injured and need the help of life support, they can’t use an MRI machine. Images from an MRI machine are also not immediately available for viewing. Because of this, other machines might be used, especially during the acute trauma phase, when treatment needs to be started as soon as possible. MRIs can be used later for a more specific diagnosis. They can help diagnose issues like blood clots herniated disks, and more.
Quicker image testing options include the X-ray and the Computerized Tomography (CT) scan. The X-ray is usually one of the first tests that a medical professional will order if they suspect spinal cord trauma. An X-ray will show doctors issues such as tumors, vertebral problems, fractures, and more.
CT scans can also be useful in diagnosing a spinal cord injury. If a doctor notices anything abnormal on an X-ray, a CT scan can give a more detailed look. It can help in the diagnosis of issues such as disk problems or bone issues.
Treatment
Once a spinal cord injury is diagnosed, doctors can establish a treatment plan for the patient. There are many different ways to treat a spinal cord injury, and they will depend on the specific injury your loved one has sustained and how serious it is. A few common types of treatment for spinal cord injuries include:
- Medication: There are many different types of medication that a patient with a spinal cord injury may take advantage of. A doctor can determine which medications, if any, are appropriate for your loved one’s condition.
- Surgery: Surgery is a common way to treat some types of spinal cord injuries, especially if trauma to the spine has caused pieces of bone to break off. Surgery can also remove foreign objects and relieve pressure put on the spine. Utilizing surgery can also help to stabilize the spine and prevent further damage.
- Immobilization: In order to give the spine time to heal, it oftentimes needs to be properly aligned and stabilized. Special casts or beds can help to stabilize the spine and keep the patient immobile until they heal properly.
Getting Help
Having a loved one diagnosed with a spinal cord injury can be a very difficult process for your whole family. These injuries can be difficult to recover from and they can be painful and scary. If your family is dealing with this situation, and you think that someone else is responsible for their injury, you can contact me for assistance. Your family may be able to recover compensation to help your loved one heal from this experience.
