People who are involved in accidents can suffer a host of injuries, one of which is a spinal cord injury (SCI). There are many different types of SCIs that can occur. These are all classified as either complete or incomplete.
Complete and incomplete injuries are determined based on the condition of the nerves at the site of the injury. Understanding the difference between these is beneficial for individuals facing this injury and the loved ones supporting them.
Complete injuries
Complete injuries are ones that don’t have any nerve pathways connected at the site of the injury. Because of the extreme damage to those nerves, full healing after the SCI isn’t likely. This type of injury is typically associated with a full loss of movement and sensations in the affected areas of the body, which are always below the site of the damage.
Incomplete injuries
Incomplete injuries are ones that still have some nerve pathways connected at the site of the injury. These injuries are more likely to have better healing than a complete injury because there’s a chance of neuroplasticity, which means the body may adapt to the nerve damage.
Living with an SCI can be costly, partly because of medical care expenses. When the injury is the result of another person’s negligence, the victim may opt to pursue a compensation claim. This is a personal injury claim that has specific time limits, so it’s typically best to work with someone who can assist with the process.