By Pierce Blitch
An Introduction to a Rare Spinal Injury
Every year, lawyers handling back injury claims encounter countless cases of herniated discs and fractured vertebrae. Yet, a less common and often misunderstood condition is syringomyelia.
What is Syringomyelia?
Syringomyelia occurs when a cyst or cavity forms within the spinal cord. Although it can be congenital or caused by illness, a sudden appearance on an MRI after a severe car accident usually indicates trauma. Motor vehicle collisions are the leading cause of traumatic syringomyelia.
Understanding the Syrinx
The cyst, known as a syrinx, grows over time, damaging the spinal cord’s center. This can lead to pain, weakness, and stiffness in the back, shoulders, arms, or legs. Other symptoms might include headaches, loss of sensation to hot or cold, and issues with body temperature regulation. Syringomyelia can also affect sweating, sexual function, and bladder and bowel control, with severe cases potentially leading to paralysis.
Treatment Options
Treatment varies depending on the severity. Conservative approaches might involve multiple pain medications. In some cases, draining the syrinx using a catheter, drainage tubes, and valves is necessary. Surgery is often recommended for syringomyelia patients, though it is not as consistently successful as surgery for other spinal conditions like ruptured discs. Doctors may defer surgery until it is absolutely necessary.
Syringomyelia is a rare and complex condition that requires careful diagnosis and treatment. Understanding its causes and symptoms is crucial for effective management. If you’ve been diagnosed with syringomyelia after being a victim in a car accident, call the Blitch Law Firm today.
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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