Recovery

While it is true that overall less than one percent of spinal cord injury (SCI) patients achieve a full recovery, all cases can improve from the initial diagnosis.  Hospital stays are not forever, and 89% of SCI patients are discharged from the hospital to a private home, while only 4.3% are discharged to nursing homes, and the majority of those patients are elderly.

As with most medical situations, the sooner treatment begins, the better.  With SCI, not only should medical care be sought immediately, but within the hospital setting, referral should be made to the SCI system as soon as possible.  The SCI system refers to admission to one of the hospitals designated as "model" SCI centers by the National Institute of Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR).  The length of stay required is significantly higher where admission to the SCI system is delayed beyond 24 hours.  Regardless of where hospitalization occurs, if emergency procedures were successful, the prognosis in relation to mortality is hopeful.  Mortality rates are significantly higher in the first year than in subsequent years, and of patients who survive the first 24 hours after their injury, 85% are still alive 10 years later.

Recent changes in the causes of death for victims of SCI reflect improvement in care and treatment.  Mortality rates remain significantly higher in the first year after the injury than in subsequent years, where the causes of death are more varied and not necessarily SCI-related.   Respiratory ailments (pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, septicemia (blood poisoning)) are currently the most common cause of death, whereas in the past renal failure was primarily to blame.  Improvements in urologic care, including advances in catheterization and medication, have contributed to this change and significantly lowered the overall mortality rate. 

The permanence of an injury depends primarily on its severity; following treatment and rehabilitation, most patients achieve at least one or two levels of functional improvement.  Levels refer to the different vertebra along which the spinal cord runs.  The spinal cord at each level is responsible for different functions (see our spinal injuries overview page).  A level improvement can mean the difference between breathing independently or using a respirator or ventilator, or managing basic care and hygiene independently versus being totally dependent on others.  Basically, the further down the spine one has function, the more independence, function and mobility one has.

More than anything, recovery depends upon the will and determination of the patient to put the required time and effort into rehabilitation.  Another factor is being able to withstand the financial costs imposed by medical bills for acute treatment and rehabilitation and lost wages from missed work.  Whether your legal issue involves negotiating with an insurance company, fighting government agencies through levels of bureaucratic appeals, or filing a lawsuit against a negligent defendant, our attorneys will work tirelessly to see that your costs are covered.  Contact The Cartwright Law Firm today for legal assistance related to your spinal cord injury.