Radiculopathy and neuropathy are two common diagnoses that patients receive after undergoing a spinal MRI following an accident. The difference between radiculopathy and peripheral neuropathy can be difficult to understand because they share overlapping symptoms. For many patients, the treatment options are often similar as well. Some medical professionals may struggle to make a clear distinction for their patients, which only creates more confusion.
At Wisner Baum, we have extensive experience helping clients diagnosed with radiculopathy or neuropathy after car accidents, slip and falls, and other personal injury claims. We understand the complexities of these conditions and how they impact your life and your legal claim. Our injury attorney are here to help you navigate the legal process so you can focus on your recovery.
Want to talk to an injury attorney now? Wisner Baum represents clients nationwide, so call (855) 948-5098 to begin.
What You Should Know About Neuropathy and Radiculopathy in Personal Injury Cases
What is Radiculopathy?
Radiculopathy occurs when a spinal nerve becomes pinched by surrounding tissues. This condition can develop gradually or result from sudden trauma, such as in a car accident or slip and fall incident.
Common initial symptoms of radiculopathy include:
- Tingling in hands and fingers
- Sharp, radiating pain
- Weakness in the upper extremities
- Decreased motor skills
- Loss of sensation
- Pain when moving the neck
Types of Radiculopathy
The location of the spinal injury determines the type of radiculopathy and its associated symptoms. The three main types are:
- Cervical radiculopathy: A compressed nerve root in the neck, causing pain, stiffness, and muscle weakness in the arms.
- Lumbar radiculopathy: Also called sciatica, this involves a pinched nerve in the lower spine, resulting in pain and weakness on one side of the body.
- Thoracic radiculopathy: A pinched nerve in the upper back, causing frequent pain around the rib cage and potentially severe immobilizing symptoms.
Causes of Radiculopathy in Accidents
Radiculopathy is commonly caused by physical injuries resulting in a herniated disc. When a disc is damaged, it can swell or move out of place, pressing on a nerve. Accidents violent enough to cause radiculopathy often include:
While bone spurs, degenerative health conditions, and bone health complications like ossification can also cause radiculopathy, these causes are less common in personal injury cases.
Does Radiculopathy Ever Go Away?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, approximately 85% of radiculopathy cases resolve without treatment after 8-12 weeks. However, for individuals with pre-existing spinal conditions or severe injuries, recovery may take longer. Some patients may require surgical intervention or specialized treatments, and in some cases, radiculopathy may become a chronic condition.
Treatment for Radiculopathy
Treatment options for radiculopathy will vary depending on the location and severity of the injury. Your medical provider can discuss options with you, but for severe cases, corrective surgery – with its own risk of complications – may be the best or only option.
Nonsurgical treatments for radiculopathy can include:
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Physical therapy
- Steroid injections
What is Neuropathy?
Neuropathy, or peripheral neuropathy, occurs when nerves outside the brain or spinal cord are damaged. Many people confuse neuropathy with radiculopathy due to similar symptoms and the misconception that all nerves are located in the spinal cord.
Typical symptoms of neuropathy can include:
- Tingling or “pins-and-needles” sensation near the affected nerve
- Muscle weakness near the affected nerve
- Random pain, especially at night
- Poor balance
- Slow reflexes
- Tingling sensation or discomfort in the fingers
Types of Neuropathy
Neuropathy can manifest in several forms:
- Peripheral neuropathy: There are more than 100 types of peripheral neuropathy, but the most common forms are motor neuropathy (damage to the nerves controlling your muscles and movement), sensory neuropathy (damage to the nerves controlling your senses), and autonomic nerve neuropathy (damage to the nerves controlling unconscious functions such as breathing and heartbeat).
- Cranial neuropathy: Damage to cranial nerves, which may result in vision and hearing problems (cranial nerves are not located in the brain).
- Autonomic neuropathy: Damage to nerves in the involuntary nervous system, which controls many organs. May affect circulation, digestion, bowel/bladder function, sexual response, and perspiration.
- Focal neuropathy: Damage limited to a single nerve, group of nerves, or one area of your body, such as damage to a nerve in one foot.
- Diabetic neuropathy: Nerve damage from diabetes, usually affecting your feet or legs.
Causes of Neuropathy in Personal Injury Cases
Like radiculopathy, neuropathy is often caused by violent accidents. Car accidents, truck collisions, and slip and fall incidents can all potentially cause nerve damage throughout the body. The more severe the impact or shaking, the higher the likelihood of nerve irritation or damage.
Does Neuropathy Ever Go Away?
Neuropathy is generally considered incurable in most cases due to the slow healing nature of nerves, especially when significantly damaged. Even "mild" cases of neuropathy may be permanent, making it crucial to seek proper medical attention and legal representation following an accident.
Treatment for Neuropathy
While neuropathy may not be curable, medical professionals can recommend ways to alleviate or lessen symptoms through prescription medicines and injections. Treatments may include:
- Antiseizure medications for neuropathy patients experiencing seizures
- Pain management techniques
- Physical therapy
- Lifestyle modifications
In cases of severe neuropathy causing chronic pain or immobility, surgery may be considered to repair damaged nerves or alleviate pressure on affected nerves.
Injury Claims for Radiculopathy & Neuropathy
If you or someone in your family suffered nerve damage in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be able to pursue justice and compensation in a personal injury lawsuit with the help of Wisner Baum.
Why pursue a lawsuit if insurance is involved? Following a serious accident resulting in significant injuries like radiculopathy or neuropathy, auto insurance coverage may not adequately cover the costs of required care, lost wages, pain and suffering, loss of consortium, and long-term effects.
Key considerations in radiculopathy and neuropathy personal injury claims:
Medical evidence: Proper documentation of your diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis is crucial for building a strong case.
Long-term impact: These conditions can affect your ability to work and enjoy life, which should be factored into your compensation.
Future medical costs: Ongoing treatment and potential surgeries should be considered when calculating damages.
Pain and suffering: The chronic pain and lifestyle changes associated with these conditions can significantly impact your quality of life.
An experienced personal injury attorney can help you navigate these complex issues and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. The California injury lawyers at Wisner Baum offer free and confidential case evaluations. We represent clients on a contingency basis, meaning you don't pay unless we win your case.
Want to talk to an injury attorney now? Call Wisner Baum today at (855) 948-5098 for a free case evaluation.
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