What Moms Need to Know About Spinal Cord Injuries

As a mom, your number one priority is your child’s health and safety. Unfortunately, accidents can happen in the blink of an eye, and some may lead to serious consequences like spinal cord injuries (SCI). Spinal cord injuries can drastically impact a child’s life, causing anything from temporary pain to long-term disability. Understanding the potential causes, symptoms, and next steps after such an injury is crucial for any parent. Here’s what moms need to know about spinal cord injuries and how to navigate the challenges they present.

If your child’s spinal cord injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, such as in a car accident or due to unsafe conditions at a playground, you may have the right to seek compensation for medical expenses, long-term care, and other related costs. A spinal cord injury lawyer can help you understand your legal options, gather evidence, and fight for the compensation your child deserves. 

Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries in Children

Spinal cord injuries in children can result from a variety of incidents, including:

• Car Accidents: Car crashes are a leading cause of spinal cord injuries in both children and adults. Improper use of car seats or seatbelts can make children especially vulnerable.
• Sports Injuries: Contact sports such as football, gymnastics, or wrestling can sometimes lead to spinal cord injuries, particularly if proper safety gear is not used.
• Falls: Children are naturally energetic and curious, but accidents like falling from playground equipment or stairs can result in serious back injuries.
• Violence or Abuse: Unfortunately, physical violence, including shaken baby syndrome, can also lead to spinal cord trauma in young children.

Understanding these common causes can help you take steps to prevent such injuries, such as ensuring your child is properly buckled in during car rides, wearing protective gear during sports, and always being vigilant in preventing dangerous falls.

Symptoms of a Spinal Cord Injury

The symptoms of a spinal cord injury vary depending on the severity of the injury and where it occurs along the spine. Some common symptoms include:

• Loss of Movement: This can range from partial weakness to complete paralysis.
• Numbness or Tingling: Your child may complain of pins and needles or a total lack of feeling in certain areas of their body.
• Pain or Pressure in the Back or Neck: A spinal cord injury may cause sharp pain in the back, neck, or along the spine.
• Difficulty Breathing or Swallowing: Some spinal cord injuries, especially those affecting the upper spinal region, can impact breathing and swallowing.

If your child shows any signs of these symptoms after an accident, it’s critical to seek immediate medical attention. Delaying care could worsen the injury or lead to more severe complications.

What to Do After a Spinal Cord Injury

If you suspect that your child has suffered a spinal cord injury, taking immediate action is crucial to ensure the best possible outcome.

1. Seek Emergency Medical Help: Call 911 or get your child to the nearest emergency room as soon as possible. Spinal cord injuries are medical emergencies, and time is of the essence.
2. Stabilize the Spine: If possible, keep your child still and try to prevent any unnecessary movement. Moving the injured child without proper stabilization could worsen the injury.
3. Follow Medical Advice: After the initial emergency treatment, it’s important to follow all medical recommendations, including rehabilitation and physical therapy. Recovery from a spinal cord injury can be long and requires ongoing medical care and support.

Long-Term Impact of Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries can have life-changing consequences, both for your child and your family. Depending on the location and severity of the injury, your child may experience:

• Paralysis: This can range from partial to full paralysis, depending on the extent of the damage to the spinal cord.
• Chronic Pain: Some children may experience ongoing pain, particularly if there’s nerve damage associated with the injury.
• Mobility Issues: Even with rehabilitation, your child may require mobility aids, such as a wheelchair, crutches, or braces, to move around.
• Emotional and Psychological Impact: Children who suffer spinal cord injuries may struggle with feelings of frustration, sadness, or depression as they adjust to their new physical limitations. Emotional support, including therapy, can be beneficial for both your child and your family.

How to Protect Your Child from Spinal Cord Injuries

While accidents are sometimes unavoidable, there are a few steps you can take to help protect your child from spinal cord injuries:

• Car Safety: Always use the proper car seat, booster seat, or seatbelt for your child’s age and size. Double-check that the car seat is installed correctly.
• Sports Safety: Make sure your child wears the appropriate safety gear during sports and recreational activities. Teach them about the importance of warming up and avoiding dangerous moves.
• Supervision: Keep a close eye on your child when they’re playing on playground equipment, near pools, or in other potentially dangerous environments.
• Home Safety: Secure stairs, install gates, and ensure that your home is a safe environment for your child to move around without the risk of serious falls.

Communicate with Your Child

After an injury, your child may feel scared, confused, or anxious about their recovery. It’s important to talk openly with them about their feelings and the healing process. Reassure them that you are by their side every step of the way, and encourage them to express how they feel. Emotional support can be just as important as physical healing when it comes to recovery from a spinal cord injury.

You’re Not Alone

Dealing with a spinal cord injury is incredibly challenging, but as a mom, you’re your child’s greatest advocate and source of strength. By taking the right steps, seeking medical and legal help, and providing emotional support, you can help your child navigate the challenges of spinal cord injury recovery. It’s important to remember that you don’t have to go through this alone. Support from family, friends, medical professionals, and legal experts can make all the difference in ensuring the best possible outcome for your child.