Accident victims who sustain a serious spinal cord injury are often left with permanent disability and little hope of recovery. In recent years, however, advances in both research and treatment have shown great promise. In fact, a new study conducted by Tel Aviv University and published in the Journal of Neurotrauma found that intravenous injections of specific enzymes during the first few hours following an accident may diminish the effects of such a devestating injury.
In a spinal cord injury, the spinal cord tissue sustains two types of damages: primary and secondary. The primary damage that occurs kills neuronal cells and cannot be prevented. Unfortunately the secondary damages that occur after an accident due to inflammation and scarring can be just as destructive. According to Dr. Goldshmit, who is one of the authors of the study, “the main idea is to reduce the secondary damage as soon as possible by blocking the body’s natural reaction to spinal cord trauma.”
Neurotrauma produces immediate elevated levels of glutamate, which in turn leads to increased inflammation, scar formation, and neuronal death. To reduce secondary damage, the team developed a treatment that controls levels of glutamate, a free amino acid which accounts for 60% of all neurotransmitter activity in the brain. The treatment is an IV administration of blood glutamate scavengers that can help control the level of glutamate in the body after the injury.
Blood glutamate treatment has been effective in the past for patients with glioblastomas, ALS, and other neurological disorders. For treatment to be successful in spinal cord injuries, however, it must be started within a few hours of the injury. Because there are no side effects to the injection, researchers have even gone so far as to suggest that physicians treat injured patients immediately, rather than wait for a diagnosis.
Spinal Cord Injury Patients Need Experienced Legal Counsel
Spinal cord injuries are often severe and life-changing. It is estimated that accident victims living with high tetraplegia need an average of $1 million in the first year alone, just to cover medical expenses. This doesn’t include any indirect costs such as loss of wages, benefits, and productivity. Over the course of their lifetime, spinal cord injury victims and their families will need up to $4.7 million to pay for the cost of living with such a devastating injury.
If your injury was caused by another person’s negligence, it is critical that you contact an experienced Tampa spinal cord injury lawyer. Your lawyer can help negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you have the money you need after sustaining a catastrophic spinal cord injury.
Contact an Experienced Tampa Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer Today
If you or someone you love has a spinal cord injury, it is important to know where to turn for help. During this difficult time, you need a law firm on your side with the resources and experience needed to tackle these complex cases – and win. Contact the Tampa spinal cord injury lawyers at Dennis A. Lopez & Associates for the legal representation you deserve. Call us at (877) 333-3676 for a free initial consultation and review of your case.