Each day people throughout the nation suffer spinal cord injuries that leave them paralyzed. Whether paraplegic or quadriplegic, life following such an injury will never be the same. Because of the dramatic impact a spinal injury has on the life of the affected person, as well as his or her loved ones, researchers are always looking for viable treatment options. Recently treatment described as “a breakthrough,” was published in the journal Brain.
The study, which was funded in part by the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, utilized electrical stimulation applied to the spinal cord. Its application allowed several study participants to move a leg or utilize their torso. Though because only one muscle group at a time can be moved with the stimulation none of the individuals involved in the study were able to walk as a result of the stimulation, their respiratory and heart function improved. It is unsurprising that the study is being expanded.
There are a variety of situations in which a resident of North Carolina might suffer an injury to the spinal cord. If these injuries are the result of negligent actions on the part of another person, the injured individual could seek financial compensation via a personal injury lawsuit. Because living with a spinal injury results in the need for expensive medical devices and treatment an award in a successful lawsuit would likely be greatly appreciated. Other times, it may be able to secure Social Secuirty Disability benefits. For the best chance of securing the desired outcome it is vital to work with a lawyer who handles these matters.
Source: CNN, “Spinal cord work is unexpected shocker: ‘This is a breakthrough’,” Elizabeth Cohen, April 8, 2014