How a Spinal Cord Injury Affects the Brain


The human body is complex. One area of the body can affect other areas in unsuspecting ways. If you or your loved one suffered a spinal cord injury in a motor vehicle accident, it’s vital to understand how this injury can affect brain function. At Caruso Law Offices, we work closely with spinal cord injury victims and their families. We can give you a realistic look at the path ahead and the obstacles you may encounter.

How Spinal Cord Injuries Affect Brain Function

The spinal cord sends and receives messages to and from the brain and other parts of the body. When the spinal cord is damaged, this disrupts communication between the brain and the rest of the body. Messages can be blocked or distorted, affecting nearly every other bodily system and function

Potential Problems Caused by Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries can result in life-altering consequences, including:

  • Mobility issues – Spinal cord injuries can lead to the loss of movement and sensation, potentially resulting in paralysis.
  • Cognitive deficits – Cognitive function can be impaired because of a spinal cord injury. Spinal cord injury victims may have problems thinking, learning, remembering, paying attention, making decisions, and solving problems.
  • Loss of bodily function – Spinal cord injuries can cause the loss of bladder and bowel control. They can also cause sexual dysfunction.
  • Sensory issues – Individuals with spinal cord injuries may not be able to feel heat, cold, or pain. They may have reduced sensitivity to touch.
  • Emotional disturbances – Because of the neurological miscommunication, people with spinal cord injuries may suffer from various types of emotional problems, which can adversely affect victims and their relationships with loved ones. Their mood and behavior can be disturbed. They can have difficulty controlling emotions.

Spinal cord injuries can affect people differently. The potential effects can adversely affect quality of life and make it difficult to participate in activities of daily living.

What to Expect from the Recovery Process

If you or a loved one has recently suffered a spinal cord injury, it is essential that you understand the path ahead. Spinal cord injuries may take months or years to recover from. Unfortunately, many result in irreversible damage. Many people with spinal cord injuries never recover, so their treatment is focused on helping them adapt to a life with limitations. Physical, occupational, and speech therapy may be able to help SCI victims relearn basic skills or learn to adapt to their injuries.

Through a personal injury claim, you can seek compensation for the resulting medical expenses. These expenses can quickly add up, especially when compounded over months and years. An experienced attorney from our law firm can work with your medical providers to determine the full extent of your injuries and lifelong needs. We may hire life care planners and economic experts who can estimate your current and future damages. This can help inform our demand letters so we request the amount of compensation you will need to move toward the next chapter of your life.

Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation

After a spinal cord injury, it’s vital that you assemble a trusted team to help you. At Caruso Law Offices, you will have the dedicated and unwavering legal assistance of a skilled spinal cord injury lawyer in Albuquerque and an entire legal team at your disposal. Every member of our team will treat you with the dignity and respect you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.