Study: spinal cord injuries on the rise
Suffering a spinal cord injury can change a person's life forever. Unfortunately, new research indicates that the incidence of these injuries is on the rise in the U.S.
March 11, 2014
Suffering a spinal cord injury can change a person's life forever. Unfortunately, new research indicates that the incidence of these injuries is on the rise in the U.S.Researchers at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine examined data collected on 43,137 adults in the U.S. who were admitted to hospitals as a result of spinal cord injury between 2007 and 2009. According to their study, which was published in the Journal of Neurotrauma, uncovered some important facts about spinal cord injuries:
- In 2007, the incidence of spinal cord injuries among adults between the ages of 18 and 64 was about 52 per million. Two years later, the incidence was just under 50 per million.
- For those over the age of 65, the incidence of spinal cord injuries was just over 79 per million. This number increased to almost 88 per million in 2009.
- During the period of the study, 41.5 percent of injuries occurred due to falls and 35.5 percent due to motor vehicle accidents.
- From 2007 to 2009, the incidence of fall related spinal cord injuries saw an overall increase.
- On average, the age of those suffering spinal cord injuries is on the rise. From 2000 to 2005, the average age of adults who suffered spinal cord injuries was 41. From 2007 to 2009, it was 51.
One of the most interesting points from the Johns Hopkins study is that car accidents are no longer the leading cause of spinal cord injuries. Researchers are unsure why this is the case, but they believe that better automobile safety figures, combined with a more active, aging population may be contributing factors.
Understanding spinal cord injuries is important not only because these sorts of injuries are serious, but also because they are a cause of significant expense to the health care system. According to the authors of the Johns Hopkins study, emergency room charges related to spinal cord injuries between 2007 and 2009 totaled approximately $1.6 billion. Finding ways to reduce the incidence of these injuries not only could improve lives, it could also help ease significant financial strain.
Those who have suffered a spinal cord injury in a car wreck, fall or accident at work should consider speaking to a personal injury attorney. In some cases, you may be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering, medical bills and more. Speak to an attorney today for more information.
Article provided by LBG Law Firm
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