Spinal cord injuries (SCI) in Los Angeles car accidents can occur through several mechanisms, often involving severe trauma that impacts the spine. The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves running down the middle of the back, carrying messages between the brain and the body. Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete loss of motor control and sensation below the site of the injury, potentially leading to paralysis. Here’s how the spinal cord can get damaged in car accidents:
Direct Impact:
- Compression: The spinal cord may be compressed due to fractured or dislocated vertebrae, which are the bone segments that make up the spine. In a car accident, the force of the collision can cause the spine to compress unnaturally, damaging the spinal cord.
- Penetration: Shards of bone from vertebrae or other debris can penetrate the spinal cord during an accident, causing direct damage to the nerve fibers.
Indirect Mechanisms:
- Whiplash: This is a common injury in rear-end collisions, where the sudden acceleration-deceleration force causes rapid forward and backward movement of the head and neck. While whiplash more frequently results in neck muscle and ligament injury, in severe cases, it can also lead to spinal cord damage.
- Flexion/Extension Injuries: These occur when the spine is forcefully bent forward or backward, stretching or tearing the spinal cord. Such movements are common in head-on and rear-end collisions.
- Rotation: A rotational injury happens when the spine is twisted, potentially tearing the spinal cord or disrupting the blood supply. This can occur in accidents involving vehicle rollovers or side-impact collisions.
Contributing Factors:
- Seatbelt and Airbag: Improper use of seatbelts or malfunctioning airbags can contribute to the severity of spinal injuries. For example, if a seatbelt is worn incorrectly, it can increase the risk of spinal injury by allowing excessive movement or by concentrating force in a harmful way during a crash.
- Ejection from the Vehicle: Being ejected from a vehicle significantly increases the risk of severe spinal cord injuries due to the high likelihood of violent impacts with objects outside the vehicle.
Prevention:
Preventing spinal cord injuries in car accidents involves:
- Always wearing a seatbelt correctly.
- Using airbags in conjunction with seatbelts.
- Driving safely and defensively to avoid accidents.
- Ensuring children are in appropriate car seats or booster seats.
Response:
If a spinal cord injury is suspected after a car accident, it’s crucial to immobilize the spine immediately and seek emergency medical care. Moving someone with a potential SCI can worsen the injury. Emergency responders are trained to transport accident victims in a way that minimizes further damage to the spinal cord. Call Cohen Injury Law Group today.