Question
My sister-in-law was in a car wreck on February 9, 2008.  She was diagnosed with a contusion to both the C2 & C7 and a fracture to the C6.  What is her prognosis REALLY!?!  The doctors don't say much and she is a VERY independent person - 33 years old as well.  She was due to graduate college this MAY.  How much a chance exists for her to learn to walk again, will she be able to fully-function?  Will she be able to live on her own or will she be dependent on her family - not that we mind!  She is being relocated from South Carolina - location of the accident - to Patricia Neal Rehabilitation Center in Knoxville, Tennessee.  Please provide us with some information to pass along to her.  Thanks - so much!!!

Answer
Hi Tracie-

Yikes, the c2 is pretty bad news, I'm afraid. The c6 fracture wouldn't be too big a deal but the cord injuries are going to be the problem- even at c7 she might've been in my situation, still able to use her hands and not need a ventilator and such (I can live alone).

C2 though- if her injury is "complete"- is pretty heavy. I can't say for sure what will happen to her, of course, but I've never seen anyone with a c2 injury who didn't require alot of help (ventilator to breathe, someone to help her do daily activities like eating, dressing, etc). In all probability, walking isn't in her future.

There is some chance for return of functioning in the first 6-12 months post injury, as swelling goes down and things start to heal. Generally is it a matter of having a c7 injury, say, but functioning at a t2 level- as opposed to being able to walk or something.

It is going to be real hard, I don't know how to say this any other way. Doctors don't ever want to say much so I try to be straight ahead... But it is possible. Her independent nature may make it harder at first, but will help in the long run. (I mean to say, my life is pretty well together these days, but i did heroin for the first 4 yrs after the wreck because i didn't care if i lived or died... not very cheerful, I'm sorry, this is more than i usually say to people. Just know -and remind her if you can- that it will get better if she can just hang on for a little while. I later graduated college, got married, own a house and dogs and make stained glass for a living. But at first it was rough)

I wish you all good luck- please feel free to write in again if you like (i'll try to be a bit less depressing!)
leslie