By Pierce Blitch
A Dire Situation: The Reality of a “Broken Neck”
Among the most severe injuries one can endure is a “broken neck,” specifically a fracture in the cervical vertebra. This injury can result in irreversible paralysis or even death.
The C1 and C2 vertebrae are the top two of seven vertebrae in the cervical spine. Depending on the severity, these spinal cord injuries are categorized as complete or incomplete. Injuries at this level of the spine can block nerve impulses to the rest of the body below that point, often leading to death or total paralysis.
Understanding the C1 and C2 Vertebrae
The C1 vertebra, also called the Atlas, is named after the mythical ancient Greek hero who bore the weight of the world. The C2 vertebra, known as the Axis, provides the head’s ability to rotate. A fracture of the C2 vertebra is often referred to as a “Hangman’s fracture.” Together, C1 and C2 support the skull, protect the spinal cord, and enable the head to rotate and swivel.
Causes and Symptoms of C1-C2 Fractures
Injuries at the C1-C2 level are less common than those at lower levels of the cervical spine. The most frequent causes of fractures at these levels include diving, motor vehicle collisions, and falls impacting the head.
Symptoms of C1-C2 Fractures:
- Inability to breathe without ventilator support
- Loss of ability to speak
- Loss of sensation below the level of injury
- Paralysis of arms, hands, torso, and legs
- Limited neck and head movement
The Road to Recovery
A C1-C2 fracture spinal cord injury is among the worst injuries a person can endure. Fortunately, one of the top spinal cord injury rehabilitation facilities in the United States, the Shepherd Center, is in Georgia. Over the years, families of Shepherd Center patients have often asked us to meet with them at the hospital. We are fortunate to have many talented doctors and other treatment providers in our local Augusta area who treat these types of injuries as well.
Recovery prospects from such injuries depend on several factors, including:
- Health and fitness at the time of injury
- Speed of response in getting appropriate treatment and stabilizing the injury, initially with a hard collar and then typically with external fixation devices
- The completeness or incompleteness of the injury
- Prompt use of anti-inflammatory and steroid medications to relieve swelling and pressure on the spinal cord
- Prompt access to therapies and treatments at a specialized spinal cord rehabilitation facility such as the Shepherd Center
- Ability of the patient, family, friends, and caregivers to adhere to a consistent care plan
Legal Representation for Severe Injuries
Legal representation for a person with such an injury due to someone else’s negligence generally involves identifying all at-fault parties and insurance coverages, coordinating with the medical team, developing the life care plan, understanding the many medical and rehabilitation issues, showing empathy while working with a family in severe crisis, and planning settlements to coordinate insurance and governmental benefits through a special needs trust.
CALL THE Blitch Law Firm ATTORNEYS AT LAW TODAY TO DISCUSS YOUR PERSONAL INJURY CASE
We fight for you, and we don’t back down. Every personal injury case has potentially life-altering consequences. We don’t hold back on providing our clients the best possible representation. At The Blitch Law Firm, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a personal injury case can take. If you, a family member, or a close friend has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, contact The Blitch Law Firm today at 706-434-8770 or visit us at 7004 Evans Town Center Blvd., Third Floor, Evans, Georgia 30809 to discuss your unique case and our dedicated personal injury strategies with one of our compassionate and experienced attorneys.
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