Electrical Stimulation Shows Real Promise for Spinal Cord Injury Patients

CANTON, Texas. Truck accidents result in more serious injuries for victims. Among the injuries truck accident victims face, traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury are the most severe. These injuries often result in permanent damage and loss of function for patients. Victims and families may face major lifestyle adjustments and the prospect of seeking long term care for their loved ones. However, recent breakthroughs in science show promise for some spinal cord patients.

Scientific American recently reported on a study that has found that electrical stimulation of the spinal cord can result in regained function for even the most serious spinal cord injury patients. There are now three studies that have found success for spinal cord injury patients when electrical stimulation was used. The replicability of the results shows major promise for some spinal cord injury patients.

How does electrical stimulation work? According to Scientific American, in many spinal cord injuries, the spinal cord is bruised rather than severed. However, this bruising can reduce the spinal cord’s ability to efficiently transmit signals to the lower extremities, resulting in loss of function, movement, and sensation. However, electrical stimulation amplifies the signal, allowing signals to cross the damaged section of the spinal cord and transmit information to the muscles in the lower extremities. For some patients, the results are dramatic. Patients who believed they’d never walk again are able to walk.

In the recent study, some of the patients are now able to move their legs without the implant on, which suggests that electrical stimulation can promote healing of the spinal cord, an injury for which it was previously believed there could be no functional recovery.

New technologies that can allow spinal cord injury patients the ability to regain the ability to walk may not always be covered by insurance because they may not have the needed approvals yet. However, the study offers hope for the most seriously injured truck accident patients.

Spinal cord injury can be costly. According to the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, the estimated yearly cost of living with a spinal cord injury varies between $1,064,716 and $42,206 depending on the severity of the injury and how recent the injury took place. These figures don’t estimate the impact that new and innovative treatments might add to the cost of this injury.

If you or a loved one has suffered a serious or life-altering injury in a truck accident, in Canton, Texas, you may have important rights under the law. The Cooper Law Firm are truck accident attorneys in Canton, Texas who work with victims and families to help them get the best possible settlement under the law. Truck companies are required to insure their trucks and may be held responsible following an accident. If you have questions about your rights or are wondering what steps you can take to seek justice, visit us at the Cooper Law Firm today to learn more.

Cooper Law Firm
501 N Third St,
Longview, TX 75601
Telephone: (903) 297-0037