Neurologists Recommend Surgical Monitoring to Prevent Spinal Cord Injuries

By Grant Law Office on March 6, 2012

Spinal cord injuries can be caused by a wide range of accidents. They can also occur during surgery, especially surgeries performed on the back or in certain areas of the chest. A spinal cord injury often results in permanent paralysis, and even patients who are not paralyzed may experience debilitating pain and limited mobility.

Recently, the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) has recommended that patient’s spinal cord responses be monitored during back and chest surgeries. By keeping track of the electrical impulses that travel up and down the spine, doctors have a better idea of what is taking place in the spine during surgery – including when a particular technique might cause harm if it is continued.

The AAN noted that in studies, patients who did not have their spinal cord responses monitored were more likely to suffer post-operative paralysis in part or all of their bodies if something went wrong during surgery. Patients who had monitoring were less likely to suffer paralysis, even if a similar problem had occurred during their own surgeries. By monitoring the spinal cord, doctors can fix problems at the first sign of trouble, before damage becomes irreparable and injury or paralysis results, say researchers.

Spinal cord injuries can cause serious harm. At the Law Offices of Wayne Grant, P.C., our Georgia spinal cord injury attorneys are well-versed in protecting the legal rights of those who have suffered a serious injury due to someone else’s negligence. If you’ve been injured, don’t wait: call us today at (404) 995-3955 for a free and confidential consultation over the phone.