How Does a Spinal Cord Injury Affect the Brain?

Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) can be devastating and have life-altering consequences. An SCI can occur when the spinal cord is damaged, disrupting communication between the brain and other body parts. When this communication pathway is severed, it can cause a range of motor, sensory, cognitive, emotional, and autonomic problems. It is essential to understand how a spinal cord injury can affect the brain and how it might influence a person’s recovery.

How Do Spinal Cord Injuries Affect Brain Function?

Spinal cord injuries disrupt the communication pathways between the brain and other parts of the body, leading to loss of movement, sensation, and bodily functions. In addition to physical effects, this disruption can significantly affect cognitive and emotional functioning.

When the spinal cord is injured, the messages from the brain to the body become distorted or blocked, resulting in changes in how people think, feel, and respond to their environments. This neurological miscommunication can lead to changes in memory, problem-solving, attention span, mood, and behavior.

The extent of these cognitive and emotional changes will depend on the type and severity of the injury. For example, mild spinal cord injuries may result in minimal disruption to normal brain functioning, while more severe injuries can cause more significant impairments. People may also experience sensory losses such as difficulty sensing heat or cold and reduced sensitivity to touch.

Cognitive and Emotional Impacts of Spinal Cord Injuries

An injury to the spinal cord can profoundly impact an individual’s ability to think, learn, remember, and process emotions. In addition to the physical pain and impairment associated with spinal cord injuries, numerous cognitive and emotional impacts can occur. These mental and emotional effects can profoundly decrease a patient’s quality of life and ability to participate in daily activities. They can last for months or years after the initial injury.

Some of these cognitive and emotional impacts include:

• Memory problems
• Concentration deficits
• Impaired problem-solving skills
• Difficulty with planning
• Language impairments
• Emotional disturbances

How Long Does It Take to Recover from a Spinal Cord Injury?

Recovery from a spinal cord injury can take months or years, depending on the severity of the damage and the patient’s overall health. Physical therapy and other rehabilitation services are essential in helping a person regain some of their physical and mental abilities after a spinal cord injury. Unfortunately, most people with spinal cord injuries will never fully recover and must learn to live with limitations resulting from their injuries.

Talk to Our Experienced Personal Injury Lawyers in Morristown, TN

If you or a loved one suffered a spinal cord injury in an accident that was someone else’s fault, the experienced personal injury attorneys at The Terry Law Firm are here to help. With more than 60 years of experience advocating for clients in Morristown and throughout East Tennessee, we understand how SCIs can result in life-altering consequences. Our attorneys are dedicated to helping injury victims and families seek the compensation they deserve.

Contact us today for a free legal consultation to learn more.