How Do Spinal Cord Injuries Affect the Brain?

By Matt Lalande in Uncategorized on October 01, 2024

Spinal cord injuries can have a profound impact on the brain, affecting physical functions, cognition, and emotions. Learn about these effects and how Hamilton spinal cord injury lawyer Matt Lalande can help you navigate your recovery and secure the compensation you deserve.

How do Spinal Cord Injuries Affect the Brain?

Spinal cord injuries are among the most severe and devastating injuries one can experience. Though there are varying levels of severity, many spinal cord injuries result in mobility issues and even paralysis. Recovery is a long and arduous process, with many retaining permanent conditions or complications. It’s a challenging time for victims and their loved ones alike, as they must go through the process of adjusting to a new reality and grieving their old lives.

Spinal cord injuries are often the result of physical trauma such as a car accident, trucking accident, pedestrian accident, etc. These accidents cause sudden injuries, changing the lives of victims in an instant. Our Hamilton spinal cord injury lawyers have helped countless claimants navigate the complex process of accessing treatment, securing funding, and filing the appropriate legal claims to receive compensation. 

The treatment and management of spinal cord injuries often require a lifelong commitment, particularly due to the potential impact on brain function. Beyond physical complications, spinal cord injuries can result in significant neurological changes, potentially causing permanent cognitive impairments, psychological symptoms, and other long-term effects.

Spinal Cord Injuries and the Brain

When a spinal cord injury occurs, it’s natural to focus on the physical challenges that arise, especially when it’s severe. However, it’s essential to understand that a spinal cord injury can also significantly impact the brain. 

Although the injury itself occurs in the spinal cord, the brain and spinal cord work together closely. The spinal cord delivers crucial information to the brain while the brain gives messages to the body. 

When this flow of information is disrupted, it can change how individuals think and feel and impact how they respond to their environment. They can also experience sensory loss, such as a reduced sensitivity to heat, cold, or touch. This can result in long-term changes to memory, mood, problem-solving, and more.  

Other factors that may cause a spinal cord injury to affect the brain include: 

• Inflammation triggered by the spinal cord injury that can affect the whole central nervous system 
• Certain spinal cord injury locations may lead to impacted airway and ventilation management, causing reduced oxygen supply to the brain. 
• The management of chronic post-SCI symptoms or conditions with strong painkillers, antidepressants, or anything else that may cause memory lapses, extreme drowsiness, or mood changes. 
• Depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are common mental health concerns following a spinal cord injury. These arise as the brain processes the traumatic event and the life-altering consequences of the injury.

The extent of an individual’s emotional and cognitive change depends on the type and severity of their spinal cord injury. Generally, a more mild injury causes minor disruptions, while a severe injury causes a more significant change in behaviour and brain function. 

Unfortunately, many accident victims with spinal cord injuries also end up with brain injuries. While the physical implications of a spinal cord injury tend to be more prominent, those around an injured individual must watch closely for signs and symptoms of a possible brain injury as well. 

Symptoms of a Brain Injury:

Brain injuries can vary significantly in seriousness and severity. They can range from mild concussions to traumatic brain injuries that cause permanent damage. 

Common symptoms of a minor brain injury include: 

• Headaches
• Feeling lightheaded
• Mild confusion 
• Nausea
• Feeling a spinning sensation 
• Temporary ringing in the ears 

These things can all apply in the case of a more severe brain injury, but possible symptoms of a more severe injury can extend to things like: 

• A loss of consciousness, even for a short time
• Vomiting
• Seizures
• Coordination and balance issues 
• Disorientation 
• Abnormal eye movements
• Reduced muscle control 
• Inability to focus with the eyes 
• Memory loss
• Persistent or worsening headaches 

Any of these symptoms should constitute medical attention. However, severe confusion, disorientation, and/or a loss of consciousness could signal an emergency and should be attended to immediately. 

Psychological Complications Following a Spinal Cord Injury

In addition to symptoms of a brain injury, psychological complications following a spinal cord injury are exceptionally common. 

Firstly, brain chemistry can physically change due to subsequent brain injuries. This can involuntarily change how an individual thinks, feels, and reacts to things. 

In addition, the impact of a changed reality, permanent complications, and grief over their previous life can cause considerable mental and emotional struggles. Anxiety, depression, PTSD, and more are common. These often require extensive and specialized therapy to treat and manage, alongside the various treatments for any physical implications and injuries. 

For example, some of the most significant changes that may happen in the life of a spinal cord injury victim include: 

• Lack of privacy as individuals need much more help with daily tasks and even hygiene needs. 
• Loss of independence, including driving, cooking, etc. 
• Separation from family and friends as social outings, events, and activities may become challenging or impossible. 
• Inability to control basic bodily functions. 
• Permanent changes to physical health and functional ability. 

All of this can lead to feelings of isolation, helplessness, depression, sadness, grief, and even a poor body image. Other factors can include medication side effects, boredom, chronic pain, chronic fatigue, etc. 

These things can trigger a range of emotional responses, including: 

• Sadness and crying
• Feelings of guilt and despair
• A fear of losing control 
• Panic and disbelief
• Resentment and bargaining 
• Lethargy and fatigue
• Withdrawal 
• Feelings of inadequacy
• Disorganization 
• Grief
• Anger
• Loss of interest in hobbies or activities that used to bring pleasure and joy 
• And more 

When not treated and managed appropriately and promptly, these things can devolve into serious mental health concerns. Depression and anxiety can set in and become progressively worse without treatment. 

That said, there is a difference between depression and grief. Those suffering from significant or permanent difficulties following a spinal cord injury may very well go through all the stages of grief. 

This includes denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and finally, acceptance. While this is the order in which some individuals move through the stages, it’s not always linear. Some may remain stuck in one stage for an extended period or go back and forth between the various emotions before arriving at acceptance. While grief is challenging and painful, it often dissipates over time; depression likely will not. 

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Those struggling with grief will be focused more on the loss. For example – paralysis leaves an individual highly dependent on others and changes how they navigate life. It’s common to grieve the loss of independence and their old way of doing things; this will be the focus of their emotional reactions.

In the case of depression, the focus is more self-critical, with overwhelming and persistent feelings of helplessness, worthlessness, hopelessness, etc. While both grief and depression often require treatment and therapy to manage, the approach will be different. 

There are a variety of treatments and therapies available for those with psychological complications following a spinal cord injury. A common and effective method is cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Still, there are many different techniques, and a qualified professional can help you identify which treatment is best for you.   

Our Hamilton spinal cord injury lawyers have extensive experience in understanding the profound mental and emotional impact of a spinal cord injury on victims. We are committed to connecting you with leading healthcare professionals who specialize in managing co-occurring conditions, ensuring a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and symptoms.

Have a Question? Call our Hamilton Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers Today for a Free Consultation

Suffering a spinal cord injury can bring complete and utter devastation, leaving individuals overwhelmed by the sudden loss of independence, physical abilities, and sense of self. The reality of facing lifelong changes, from mobility challenges to altered daily routines, can lead to feelings of grief, fear, and uncertainty about the future. This profound impact extends beyond the physical, deeply affecting mental and emotional well-being as individuals navigate the harsh reality of their new normal.

Spinal cord injuries, particularly when combined with brain injuries and the resulting psychological complications, are among the most challenging experiences an individual can face. Whether caused by a car crash, motorcycle accident, pedestrian incident, or other traumatic events, the change is sudden and overwhelming, making it extremely difficult to process and cope with. 

“If your loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury, hiring an experienced spinal cord injury lawyer is essential. These cases are complex, and a skilled lawyer can effectively advocate for the full compensation needed to support long-term recovery and enhance quality of life. Our Hamilton spinal cord injury lawyers have a proven track record, having recovered millions for SCI victims across Hamilton and throughout Ontario.

Remember, our consultations are always free. Our Hamilton Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer are happy to meet with you and your family at our office, via Zoom, or even in the hospital or rehabilitation unit—wherever is most convenient.

No matter where you are in Ontario, call us at 1-844-LALANDE or locally throughout Southern Ontario at 905-333-8888 to schedule your free consultation. Alternatively,  email us through our website, and we will be more than happy to get back to you without delay.