When
Justin came out of the water, he was essentially paralyzed from the
neck down, including the
ability to breathe, however he was fully conscious. Artificial respiration
was necessary until he could
be intubated and connected to a respirator at the hospital.
The
initial damage to the spinal cord is complicated by swelling so that
is the focus in the beginning.
Justin was given IV steroids at White County Hospital before ever being
transported to Methodist
via Lifeline.
Justin
suffered fractures to the C1 & C2 vertebraes and a lesser fracture
at C6. C1 & C2
area of the spinal cord affects the phrenic nerve which is responsible
for breathing. Everything
below the level of your injury is affected. So - Justin's entire spinal
cord was injured but not severed
(in two pieces) therefore the potential is there to heal.
The
spinal cord consists of an outer layer and inner layer. Justin's injury
is to the central (or inner)
core with less damge to the outer core. This injury presents as - less
function in the upper body
than in the lower body. Sensation to touch, temperature, pain/pleasure
are affected as well as
other sensations.
Justin,
though suffering a 5 inch gash down the midline of the top of his head,
did not suffer
any brain damage. The gash did not pierce the skull and has closed up
nicely.
Justin
is wearing a 'halo' which is secured to the skull by four posts, two
in the forehead and
two on either side of the back of the head. This is to keep C1 &
C2 stabilized while he rehabilitates
the rest of his body. He will wear this for at least a total of three
months at which time a stabilizing
collar will be applied.
There
is much more information on the internet on 'Incomplete' Central Cord
Syndrome. Below are just a few links:
Spinal
Cord Injury Levels and Classification
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/health_and_medical/disorders/central_cord.htm
http://www.emedicine.com/pmr/topic22.htm
http://www.wheelessonline.com/o11/978.htm
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct/show/NCT00059553;jsessionid=B8AA2603EE08B9094561496C10C9702C?order=1
http://lpig.doereport.com/displaymonograph.php?MID=20
http://www.medical-library.org/journals2a/spinal_injuries.htm