Study reveals potential dangers of blood clots following spinal cord injury - what it may mean for personal injury cases

Recently, a study published in the journal Nature has revealed new insights into the potential dangers of blood clots following a spinal cord injury.

The study, conducted by a team of researchers from the University of California, San Francisco, found that spinal cord injuries can trigger a dangerous chain reaction that leads to the formation of blood clots in the body. These clots can block blood vessels, cutting off oxygen and nutrients to the affected tissues and organs, and potentially causing serious complications such as stroke or heart attack.

The researchers focused on a protein called tissue factor, which is found in high concentrations in the spinal cord and is involved in the blood clotting process. They discovered that when the spinal cord is injured, tissue factor is released into the bloodstream, where it can trigger the formation of blood clots.

Important implications for personal injury cases

This finding has important implications for personal injury cases involving spinal cord injuries. If a client suffers a spinal cord injury, they may be at increased risk of developing blood clots, especially in the weeks following the injury. This risk may be further heightened if the client has other risk factors for blood clots, such as a history of blood clots, obesity, or smoking.

Ensuring clients receive the best care

As a personal injury lawyer, it's important to be aware of these potential risks and to ensure that your client receives appropriate medical care to prevent blood clots from developing. This may include prophylactic anticoagulant therapy, which can help to prevent the formation of blood clots in high-risk patients.

It is also important to be aware of the potential long-term consequences of blood clots following a spinal cord injury. If a blood clot blocks a blood vessel in the brain or heart, it can cause a stroke or heart attack, which can have serious and potentially life-threatening consequences. Your client may require ongoing medical treatment and rehabilitation to manage these complications and to achieve the best possible outcome.

Possible legal implications

In addition to the medical implications, the discovery of the link between spinal cord injuries and blood clots may also have legal implications. If a client develops a blood clot following a spinal cord injury, it may be possible to pursue a claim for damages against the party responsible for the injury, such as a negligent driver or property owner.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the recent study on the link between spinal cord injuries and blood clots has important implications. It's important to be aware of the potential risks and long-term consequences of blood clots following a spinal cord injury, and to ensure that your client receives appropriate medical care to prevent these complications. It may also be possible to pursue a legal claim for damages in cases where a client develops a blood clot following a spinal cord injury.

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in supporting people following a spinal injury at our dedicated spinal injuries section.

Dangerously low blood pressure is considered an "invisible" consequence of paralysis, adding to the woes of as many as 9 out of 10 people with spinal cord injuries.”