Question
Hello, my name is Debbie. My brother Billy was in a terrible accident, he drove into the water and hit his head on a rock, well he also is a near drowning victim. He has borken C-5, his spinal cord is brused not severed. He is fighting for his life now on a resporater. After his lungs clear up, he will go into surgury, for a fusion of C-3 to C-7. Do you have any advice for me? I am on a roller coaster ride...
thank you
debb

Answer
Hi Debbie,
Thanks so much for your question.

I'm sorry to hear about your brother. I know my sister went through a lot when I had my accident so I know you are going through quite an ordeal.

Right now, it is hard to say whether or not your brother will regain any sensation and/or motor skills. His body is in shock and there is some swelling around his spinal cord. When there is a trauma to the spinal cord, whether it's bruised or severed, blood begins to pool at the point of injury thus creating scar tissue.

The amount of scarring will depend on how much blood and swelling occurred. It is encouraging that his cord was only bruised.

All I can say right now is be patient and help him keep a positive attitude. That should be done by all family and friends that visit him. This is very important to his recovery.

Here is a link to some very good information on spinal cord injuries:

By clicking on the index, you will find a listing of things that may be helpful to you and your family.

www.spinalcord.uab.edu

I hope everything goes well with your brother. If possible, I would like to here about his progress.

If you have anymore questions, please feel free to ask me anytime.

Thanks again,
John McKinzie