Home » Injuries & Treatments » Spinal Cord Injuries

A spinal cord injury is a life-shattering experience for the victim and his or her loved ones. Those that survive a spinal cord injury may never be the same again. Family and friends have to adjust to the necessary changes in lifestyle that inevitably happen after such a devastating injury. Understanding spinal cord injuries can help the victim and his or her family and friends cope with the effects.

What is a spinal cord injury?

The spinal cord is the bundle of nerves and supportive tissue that extends from base of the brain to just beyond the first lumbar vertebra. It is protected by the bones in the spinal column, but does not extend the entire length, as is commonly assumed. A spinal injury is damage to the nerve fibers as a result of an (either traumatic or chronic) event. A traumatic event, such as an accidental blow or act of violence, crushes, compresses, dislocates or fractures one or more of the vertebrae in the spine, thereby damaging the spinal cord. A chronic (non-traumatic) spinal cord injury is generally from a more long-term condition, such as disc degeneration, arthritis or inflammation. ^[1]

What causes spinal injury?

Many spinal cord injuries are from a traumatic event. Motor vehicle accidents, falls and acts of violence are the leading causes for spinal injury in the U.S. ^[1] In Florida, spinal injuries are primarily caused by : ^[2]

• Falls: 38.3%
• Motor vehicle accidents: 33.6%
• Other accidents: 15%
• Assaults: 5.7%
   

Common causes in each region within Florida may vary based on demographics. Motor vehicle accidents are the most common cause of spinal injuries for people between 16 and 30 years of age. ^[1] Spinal cord injuries for those over the age of 65 are most often due to falls; almost 60% of spinal injuries in Florida occur in victims age 45 and older. ^[2] The causes and severity of spinal cord injury in Brevard, Melbourne, Titusville, Palm Bay, and throughout Brevard County may deviate from the average in Florida and the U.S. based on demographics.

What are the effects of spinal cord injury?

The devastation of a spinal injury is defined as either complete or incomplete. Complete means the total loss of all motor and sensory function below the affected area; incomplete means that some motor and/or sensory function remains below the injury location. ^[1] Symptoms associated with spinal injury are:

• Paralysis
• Loss of sensation
• Incontinence
• Breathing difficulties
• Sexual function changes
• Spasms
• Nerve pain
• Back pain or pressure

How we can help

Couture Law, P.A. works with a number of leading spinal cord injury treatment providers in Brevard County, and can provide referrals to those who are best able to answer your questions.

• Neurosurgeons *

The B.A.C.K. Center

2222 South Harbor City Blvd.,
Melbourne, FL 32901
(321) 723-7716

Mitchell L. Supler, MD, FACS

Dr. Supler is affiliated with the following hospitals:

• Holmes Regional Medical Center – Melbourne, FL
• Cape Canaveral Hospital – Cape Canaveral, FL
• Wuesthoff Medical Center – Melbourne, FL and Rockledge, FL
• Central Florida Regional Hospital – Sanford, FL
• Providence Saint Peter Hospital – Olympia, WA

Deuk Spine Institute

8043 Spyglass Hill Road
Melbourne, FL 32940
(321) 255-6670

836 Century Medical Drive
Titusville, FL 32796
(321) 383-8092

6150 Metrowest Blvd, Suite 102
Orlando, FL 32835
(407) 290-6322

Dr. Ara J Deukmedjian, MD

Dr. Deukmedjian is affiliated with the following hospitals:

• Parrish Medical Center – Titusville, FL
• Wuesthoff Medical Center – Melbourne, FL

Jonathan Paine, MD

1305 Valentine St, Melbourne, FL 32901
(321) 727-2468

Dr. Paine is affiliated with the following hospitals:

• Holmes Regional Medical Center – Melbourne, FL
• Cape Canaveral Hospital – Cape Canaveral, FL

Aaron Smith D.O.

5005 Port St John Pkwy
Cocoa, FL 32927
(321) 433-2247

Dr. Smith is affiliated with the following hospitals:

• Parrish Medical Center – Titusville, FL

* Disclaimer: Couture Law P.A.’s website contains a variety of references to medical treatments and healthcare providers. These references are made solely for informational purposes and the convenience of the user. Couture Law P.A. does not control, review, approve or endorse these treatments or healthcare providers. If you decide to seek treatments or use the healthcare providers referenced, you do so entirely at your own risk. In addition, the treatments and healthcare resources referenced are in no way intended to represent an exhaustive listing or medical advice. Contact addresses, names, services and affiliations are subject to change and the user is strongly advised to independently verify all data.

Couture Law, P.A. represents spinal cord injury victims in Brevard County and its major cities, including Melbourne, Titusville, Palm Bay and surrounding cities and towns.
 

• Spinal Cord Injury, Mayo Clinic
• Spinal Cord Injury in Florida: A Needs and Resources Assessment, Florida Department of Health Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Program