A motor vehicle accident can expose anyone to a variety of injuries, ranging from minor to catastrophic. An internal decapitation certainly falls into the latter category. Indeed, according to published research in the International Journal of Spine Surgery, internal decapitations are instantly fatal in roughly 70% of cases.
An internal decapitation happens when ligaments inside the neck break. This allows the brain and spinal column to move separately from each other, often leading to serious brain damage, paralysis and other life-altering complications. If you have a loved one who has internal decapitation, you should know a couple of things.
Your loved one might need long-term care
The first few days after a close friend or relative suffers an internal decapitation can be a blur. Still, you should try not to lose perspective, as your loved one is likely to need long-term care that comes in multiple stages.
First, your loved one is apt to spend some time in the intensive care unit. After that, he or she might need months in the hospital before transferring to a rehabilitation facility. Then, your loved one’s house may require extensive modifications before he or she can return home.
Full recovery might never come
Individuals who survive internal decapitations can have poor prognoses. While some patients regain some of their abilities to speak, walk and perform other everyday tasks, many others never make a full recovery. Moreover, living with internal decapitation can make a person more vulnerable to other injuries and illnesses.
Ultimately, to ensure your loved one has the best possible chance of returning to normal, you might want to explore all your legal options.
