Question
My niece is 22. She was in a car accident 14 months ago. Her spine was crush. Her spinal cord WAS NOT severed. The fluid is in tact, the nerve endings are good. Her toes, feet and legs frequently move as any healthy persons would. However, she cannot move anything below her armpits willingly. Yesterday she was lieing on the sofa watching television and one of her legs bent and pulled-up as we have all done while laying down. Yet, it was involuntary. Without the money, she has never been examined by a specialist. The local doctor has not even examined her in months. He simply asks her how she is doing and how her kids are. What do you think? Is this common?

Answer
Hi Frederick-
There is a trick to the spinal cord- it does not have to be severed to end in paralysis. Even just bruising the cord can result in the same state as if it was severed.  And it sounds as if this has happened to your niece.

The involuntary movements you speak of are not uncommon in those with spinal cord injury- called 'spasms', they occur without warning and are not controlled by the person having them.

It sounds as if your local doctor either does not know of what to do for her or knows that the cost is out of her range- if her condition is stable, there may be little he can do. However, there are many associated health risks with her injury, in the long term- and her condition is likely permanent. I am sorry to have to say this so bluntly.

If at all possible she should be checked out by a rehabilitation facility or by a neurologist- try to find one that will work with you on payments, I know it is very expensive. Perhaps there is some sort of social or medical assistance available? Perhaps they could get her to a cooperative doctor or facility?

I am sorry I cannot do more, and I wish you and your niece the best of luck-
leslie