--- title: NJ Traumatic Brain Injury Fund description: In New Jersey, there is a nonprofit that supports people with brain injuries called the Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey, or for short, the BIA of New Jersey. image: https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/BIANJ.jpg --- [![spinalcord logo desktop](https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Logos/spinal-cord_png.png) ![spinalcord logo mobile](https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Logos/spinal-cord-white_png.png) ](https://www.spinalcord.com/) MENU ** ![spinal cord logo slide out mobile](https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Logos/spinal-cord_png.png) ** [![Dale Swope](https://www.spinalcord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/dale-img-min.jpg?width=100&name=dale-img-min.jpg) The Purpose Behind Spinalcord.com ** Play Dale Swope's Story ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1kPXDw_CQU) [For Advice Call: (877) 336-7192 ](tel:8773367192) ![Spinalcord Logo](https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Logos/spinal-cord-logo-icon-svg.svg) - [About](https://www.spinalcord.com/about-us) - [About Us](https://www.spinalcord.com/about-us) - [Our Team](https://www.spinalcord.com/our-team) - [Trusted By](https://www.spinalcord.com/trusted-by) - [Journal](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog) - [Spinal Cord Injury](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury) - Spinal Injury Types - [What is Spinal Cord?](https://www.spinalcord.com/what-is-the-spinal-cord) - [Types of Spinal Cord Injuries](https://www.spinalcord.com/types-of-spinal-cord-injuries) - [Secondary Complications](https://www.spinalcord.com/secondary-complications-after-sci-spinal-cord-injury) - [Cervical Spine](https://www.spinalcord.com/cervical-spinal-cord-injury) - [Thoracic Spine](https://www.spinalcord.com/thoracic-spinal-cord-injury) - [Lumbar Spine](https://www.spinalcord.com/lumbar-l1-l5-vertebrae-spinal-cord-injury) - [Sacral Spine](https://www.spinalcord.com/sacral-spine-s1-s5-vertebrae-injuries-sacral-sparing) - Paralysis Types - [Paralysis](https://www.spinalcord.com/paralysis) - [Types of Paralysis](https://www.spinalcord.com/types-of-paralysis) - [Monoplegia](https://www.spinalcord.com/monoplegia) - [Diplegia](https://www.spinalcord.com/diplegia) - [Hemiplegia](https://www.spinalcord.com/hemiplegia) - [Paraplegia](https://www.spinalcord.com/paraplegia) - [Quadriplegia | Tetraplegia](https://www.spinalcord.com/quadriplegia-tetraplegia) - Additional Info - [Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-lawyer) - [Causes](https://www.spinalcord.com/causes-of-non-traumatic-traumatic-spinal-cord-injuries) - [Symptoms](https://www.spinalcord.com/signs-symptoms-of-spinal-cord-injuries) - [Prognosis](https://www.spinalcord.com/prognosis-of-spinal-cord-injuries) - [Mental Health Care After SCI](https://www.spinalcord.com/mental-health-care-after-sci) - [Life After SCI](https://www.spinalcord.com/life-after-a-spinal-cord-injury) - [Resources for Veterans](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/topic/veterans) - [Brain Injury](https://www.spinalcord.com/traumatic-brain-injury-acquired-brain-injury) - Brain Injury Types - [Traumatic Brain Injury](https://www.spinalcord.com/traumatic-brain-injury) - [ Acquired Brain Injury](https://www.spinalcord.com/acquired-brain-injury) - [Anoxic Brain Injury](https://www.spinalcord.com/anoxic-brain-injury) - [Diffuse Axonal Brain Injury](https://www.spinalcord.com/diffuse-axonal-brain-injury) - [ Focal Brain Injury](https://www.spinalcord.com/focal-brain-injury) - [ Subdural Hematoma](https://www.spinalcord.com/subdural-hematoma) - [ Concussion](https://www.spinalcord.com/concussion) - [ Brain Aneurysm](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-aneurysm) - [ Coma](https://www.spinalcord.com/coma) - Lobes of the Brain - [ Brain Lobes Overview](https://www.spinalcord.com/lobes-of-the-brain) - [ Frontal Lobe](https://www.spinalcord.com/frontal-lobe) - [ Parietal Lobe](https://www.spinalcord.com/parietal-lobe) - [ Occipital Lobe](https://www.spinalcord.com/occipital-lobe) - [ Temporal Lobe](https://www.spinalcord.com/temporal-lobe) - [ Limbic Lobe](https://www.spinalcord.com/limbic-lobe) - [ Insular Cortex](https://www.spinalcord.com/insular-cortex) - Additional Info - [Brain Injury Treatment](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-injury-treatment/brain-injury-lab) - [ Brain Injury Lawyer](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-injury-lawyer) - [ Causes](https://www.spinalcord.com/causes-of-traumatic-and-acquired-brain-injuries) - [ Symptoms](https://www.spinalcord.com/traumatic-brain-injury-tbi-symptoms) - [ Prognosis](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-injury-prognosis-for-tbi-abi) - [ Resources For Veterans](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/best-resources-for-veterans-with-spinal-cord-injuries) - [Treatment ](https://www.spinalcord.com/treatment-for-brain-spinal-cord-injuries) - [Physician Directory](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-and-spinal-cord-injury-physician-directory) - [Rehabilitation Directory](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-hospitals-rehabilitation-directory) - [Intensive SCI Rehabilitation Centers](https://www.spinalcord.com/intensive-sci-rehabilitation-centers) - [Technology Advancements ](https://www.spinalcord.com/sci-technology-advancements) - [Activity Based Therapy Centers](https://www.spinalcord.com/activity-based-therapy-centers) - [Brain Injury Treatment](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-injury-treatment/brain-injury-lab) - [Prevention](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-prevention) - [Legal Options](https://www.spinalcord.com/legal-considerations-for-common-types-of-brain-and-spinal-cord-injuries) - Legal Assistance - [Brain Injury Lawyer](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-injury-lawyer) - [Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-lawyer) - [Where To Start](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-spinal-cord-injury-lawyer-where-to-start) - [When To Get A Lawyer - eBook](https://www.spinalcord.com/your-guide-to-knowing-when-to-get-a-lawyer) - [Speak With An Injury Lawyer](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-legal-help-get-a-lawyer) - [Protecting an Accident Scene](https://www.spinalcord.com/protecting-an-accident-crime-scene) - Legal Considerations - [Overview](https://www.spinalcord.com/legal-considerations-for-common-types-of-brain-and-spinal-cord-injuries) - [Car Accidents](https://www.spinalcord.com/car-accidents) - [Contact Sports](https://www.spinalcord.com/contact-sports) - [Acts of Violence](https://www.spinalcord.com/acts-of-violence) - [Workplace Injuries](https://www.spinalcord.com/workplace-injuries) - [Slips and Falls](https://www.spinalcord.com/slips-and-falls) - [Contusions](https://www.spinalcord.com/contusions) - Personal Injury Claims - [Types](https://www.spinalcord.com/types-of-personal-injury-claims) - [How to File a Personal Injury Claim](https://www.spinalcord.com/how-to-file-a-personal-injury-claim-for-a-brain-or-spinal-cord-injury) - [Resources](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-resources) - Coping & Support - [Survivor Stories](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/topic/survivor-stories-inspiration) - [Family & Friends](https://www.spinalcord.com/family-friends-of-brain-spinal-cord-injury-patients) - [Support Groups](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-support-groups) - [Support Groups Interactive Map](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-support-groups-map) - [Advocacy Groups](https://www.spinalcord.com/advocacy-groups) - Financial Resources - [Financial Help](https://www.spinalcord.com/financial-resources) - [Grants](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-grants) - [Compensation](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-compensation) - [Brain & SCI Medical Expenses](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-and-spinal-cord-injury-medical-expenses) - [Money Management Tips](https://www.spinalcord.com/money-management-tips) - [Life Care Plan](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-life-care-plan) - Legal Assistance - [Brain Injury Lawyer](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-injury-lawyer) - [Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-lawyer) - [Where To Start](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-spinal-cord-injury-lawyer-where-to-start) - [Speak With An Injury Lawyer](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-legal-help-get-a-lawyer) - [Personal Injury Lawyer](https://www.swoperodante.com/tampa-personal-injury-lawyer/) - Digital Resources - [Frequently Asked Questions & Answers](https://www.spinalcord.com/frequently-asked-questions-and-answers) - [When To Get A Lawyer](https://www.spinalcord.com/your-guide-to-knowing-when-to-get-a-lawyer) - [Organizing Life From A Hospital](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/traumatic-injury-digital-tools-organize-from-hospital) - [Free Brain and Spinal Cord eBooks](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-resources) - [Spinal Cord Infographics](https://www.spinalcord.com/infographics) - [SCI Life Uncovered Podcast](https://www.spinalcord.com/sci-life-uncovered/episode-1) - Local Resources - [Florida Spinal Cord Injury Resources ](https://www.spinalcord.com/florida-sci-resources) - [Local Assistance](https://www.spinalcord.com/florida-personal-injury-claims) - [Map of State Resources](https://www.spinalcord.com/state-programs) - [Community](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-community) - [Trusted Organizations](https://www.spinalcord.com/trusted-by-the-spinal-cord-injury-community) - [Events Calendar](https://www.spinalcord.com/events) - [Podcast](https://www.spinalcord.com/sci-life-uncovered/episode-1) - Recognition - [Best of Awards](https://www.spinalcord.com/best-of-awards) - [Trusted By Designation](https://www.spinalcord.com/trusted-by-the-spinal-cord-injury-community) - [** ](tel:8773367192) - [** ](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/nj-traumatic-brain-injury-fund#) - [** **(877) 336-7192** ](tel:8773367192) - [** **Contact Us** ](https://www.spinalcord.com/contact-us) # NJ Traumatic Brain Injury Fund Author: [Spinal Cord Team](https://www.spinalcord.com/meet-our-authors) Publish Date: November 10, 2020 ![BIANJ](https://www.spinalcord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/BIANJ.jpg?width=726&name=BIANJ.jpg) In New Jersey, there is a nonprofit that supports people with brain injuries called the Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey, or for short, the BIA of New Jersey. This nonprofit was founded in 1981 by parents of children with brain injuries in the state. In 2002, they wanted to create a trust fund to help New Jersey residents with brain injuries with serious financial needs. The NJ legislature as a result created The TBI Trust Fund. The TBI Trust Fund was created to make sure the needs of people with brain injuries were met to help them become as independent in the community as possible. To fund The TBI Trust Fund, the legislature passed state law to fund it by adding 50 cent fee to the annual motor vehicle registration fee for New Jersey residents. It wasn’t until 2004 however that The TBI Trust begin serving the community. The TBI Trust Fund pays for a variety of services and supports for New Jersey residents with brain injuries, such as home modifications, assisted technology, medications, as well as physical and occupational therapy. To apply, NJ residents can apply online by accessing the online form here: [https://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/dds/services/tbis/tbifund/](https://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/dds/services/tbis/tbifund/). Learn more about The TBI Trust Fund and everything it provides people with brain injuries in the state below. ## **Eligibility** **![Elegibility](https://www.spinalcord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Elegibility.jpg?width=726&name=Elegibility.jpg)** To be eligible for The TBI Trust fund, a person must be a resident of New Jersey for at last 90 days, but they do not need to sustain their injury in the state. Proof of having a TBI by a doctor must be sent as well. A person must also have a brain injury that is defined by the Federal TBI Act. After being denied from other programs and insurance programs, this trust fund will then consider a client’s needs. Lastly, a person must not have more than $100,000 in liquid assets to be a recipient of The TBI Trust Fund. There's also a $ 100,000-lifetime cap for those receiving money from the fund, as well as a $15,000 annual cap. The average amount spent on a recipient of the trust fund is $4,578. ## **Services & Programs Provided** **![Services of BIANJ](https://www.spinalcord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Services%20of%20BIANJ.jpg?width=726&name=Services%20of%20BIANJ.jpg)** New Jersey residents with brain injuries can approach The TBI Trust Fund when all other sources of funding have run out, or have been denied funding services or programs that are needed. The TBI Trust fund helps support a wide variety of services that help people with brain injuries be as independent as possible.  One of the biggest supports it provides is home modifications, which are typically not covered by health insurance or any other federal agency. The TBI Trust Fund will not cover entire home modifications, but it will help make key areas of the home accessible such as the bathroom or adding an accessible entrance to the home. Also, The TBI Trust Fund will assist in purchasing assistive technology, which is more important than ever for people with brain injuries returning home. Cognitive therapy, physical, occupational, and speech therapy are also covered, as well as case management and other service coordination, pharmaceuticals, and neuropsychological services. If approved for The TBI Trust Fund, each recipient is assigned to a case manager that makes sure the funds are dispersed as smartly as possible. They will also create a service support plan with each recipient to make sure this occurs. To date, The Trust Fund has helped approximately 3,500 people with brain injuries in New Jersey.  - Online brochure for the NJ TBI Fund: [https://bianj.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/TBI-bro-2019-final-web.pdf](https://bianj.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/TBI-bro-2019-final-web.pdf) - Learn more: [https://bianj.org/traumatic-brain-injury-fund/](https://bianj.org/traumatic-brain-injury-fund/) **Topics:** Spinal Cord Injury, Traumatic Brain Injury, Brain Injuries, Spinal Cord Injuries, Trust Fund, New Jersey ### Stay Updated on Advancements On Traumatic Brain & Spinal Cord Injuries About the Author #### Spinal Cord Team The authors of Spinalcord.com are made up of attorneys, those in the medical field, and survivors of spinal cord injuries or traumatic brain injuries. Learn more about our team of authors including a brief biography that explains how they impact the SCI and TBI community. [Learn More About the Author](https://www.spinalcord.com/meet-our-authors) **Leave a Comment** [![New Call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/575040/dc8bc979-ba55-463a-9400-f92cbdebcb1a.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/575040/dc8bc979-ba55-463a-9400-f92cbdebcb1a) true ### Spinal Cord Injury - [Types of Spinal Cord Injuries](https://www.spinalcord.com/types-of-spinal-cord-injuries) - [Secondary Complications](https://www.spinalcord.com/secondary-complications-after-sci-spinal-cord-injury) - [Causes](https://www.spinalcord.com/signs-symptoms-of-spinal-cord-injuries) - [Symptoms](https://www.spinalcord.com/types-of-spinal-cord-injuries) - [Prognosis](https://www.spinalcord.com/prognosis-of-spinal-cord-injuries) - [Legal Help](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-legal-help-get-a-lawyer) ### Brain Injury - [Types of Brain Injuries](https://www.spinalcord.com/types-of-traumatic-brain-injury) - [Causes](https://www.spinalcord.com/causes-of-traumatic-and-acquired-brain-injuries) - [Symptoms](https://www.spinalcord.com/traumatic-brain-injury-tbi-symptoms) - [Prognosis](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-injury-prognosis-for-tbi-abi) - [Legal Help](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-injury-legal-help-get-a-lawyer) ### Finding Treatment - [Physician Directory](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-and-spinal-cord-injury-physician-directory) - [Rehabilitation Directory](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-hospitals-rehabilitation-directory) - [Technology Advancements](https://www.spinalcord.com/sci-technology-advancements) - [Prevention](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-prevention) ### Legal Options - [Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-lawyer) - [Brain Injury Lawyer](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-injury-lawyer) - [Types of Personal Injury Claims](https://www.spinalcord.com/types-of-personal-injury-claims) - [Where To Start](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-spinal-cord-injury-lawyer-where-to-start) - [Local Assistance](https://www.spinalcord.com/florida-personal-injury-claims) #### [About Us](https://www.spinalcord.com/about-us) Spinal cord injuries are traumatic for patients and their families. They cause disruptive changes to every aspect of your life and there is a lot of new information to navigate and understand. Our experts have collected everything in one place to help you learn more about your injury, locate doctors and treatment centers, find financial support, and get assistance navigating your next move. [Learn More About SpinalCord.com →](https://www.spinalcord.com/about-us) ## [Contact Us](https://www.spinalcord.com/contact-us) ![logo-footer-spinal-cord.png](https://www.spinalcord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/img/logo-footer-spinal-cord.png?width=249&name=logo-footer-spinal-cord.png "logo-footer-spinal-cord.png") **  [877-336-7192](tel:8773367192) ** [support@spinalcord.com](mailto:support@spinalcord.com) [**](https://www.facebook.com/spinalcordcom) [**](https://www.linkedin.com/company/spinalcord-com/) [**](https://twitter.com/SpinalCordCom) [**](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAbz2AC18acXQkpMNPeDIqg) Copyright 2026 | All Rights Reserved. [Spinal Cord, Inc.](https://www.spinalcord.com) Sponsored by [Tampa personal injury lawyers](https://www.swoperodante.com/tampa-personal-injury-lawyer/) at Swope, Rodante P.A. a Florida law firm located at 1234 E 5th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605. The information provided by SpinalCord.com is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, see [ Disclaimer Policy.](https://www.spinalcord.com/disclaimer) [**](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/nj-traumatic-brain-injury-fund#) [**](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/nj-traumatic-brain-injury-fund#) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "WebSite", "name" : "Spinal Cord, Inc.", "potentialAction" : { "@type" : "SearchAction", "query-input" : "required name=search_query", "target" : "https://www.spinalcord.com/search?q={search_query}" }, "url" : "https://www.spinalcord.com/" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "Organization", "contactPoint" : [ { "@type" : "ContactPoint", "contactType" : "customer service", "telephone" : "+1-877-336-7192" } ], "legalName" : "Spinal Cord, Inc.", "logo" : "https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Logos/spinal-cord_png.png", "sameAs" : [ "https://www.facebook.com/spinalcordcom", "https://twitter.com/SpinalCordCom", "https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAbz2AC18acXQkpMNPeDIqg", "http://www.linkedin.com/company/spinalcord-com" ], "url" : "https://www.spinalcord.com/" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org", "@type" : "Article", "articleBody" : "The spinal cord is a vital part of the human body. As the vehicle responsible for carrying messages from the brain to the rest of the body and back again, even the smallest interference can be detrimental. Following a traumatic spinal cord injury, this bundle of nerves can become bruised, also known as a contusion. Because of the nature of the nervous system, any interference can constitute a serious spinal contusion, but these facts will help you dissect all of the information from the medical professionals.

\n\n

What Is a Spinal Contusion?

\n\"Signs-of-a-spinal-contusion-title-image\"\n

Much like any other bruise, a contusion can cause bleeding from local blood vessels and inflammation which, rather unlike bruises on other parts of the body, can have serious negative impacts on the spinal cord itself. Because the “blood must clot to stop the bleeding”a bruise results from contusions also increase cardiovascular risks.

\n

For example, the swelling a contusion can cause will often disrupt nerve impulses that travel from the brain to the body through the spinal cord, and the severity of this will depend upon the level of injury. Unlike a concussion, a contusion would not cause unconsciousness or a ‘blackout’, but instead cause the patient to feel a numbness or tingling in the extremities.

\n

A contusion can cause spinal compression, which happens when there is pressure on the spinal cord. This can go on to cause an array of physical symptoms such as loss of sensation in the feet, inability to use the hands and loss of sexual ability. It must be noted that not all contusions cause spinal compression, and not all spinal compression is caused by a contusion, although they do often connect this way.

\n

Warning Signs of a Serious Spinal Contusion to Watch For

\n

Firstly, doctors will try and establish what area or limb the injury has affected. Spinal contusions most often “affect the upper extremities bilaterally and also sometimes involve the lower extremities,” according to Dr. Wong, an orthopedic physician.

\n

Symptoms include “numbness, tingling, [or] electric shock-like sensations and burning in the extremities,” (American Association of Neurological Surgeons, 2016). Generally falling into the category of “spinal trauma” there are many symptoms which are similar to other forms of spinal trauma and spinal cord injury. Below are some symptoms of spinal trauma:

\n\n

Unfortunately, it is sometimes challenging to identify which symptoms are due to a spinal contusion, and which ones are the result of a spinal cord injury directly. It can sometimes require a few days or weeks for the body to recover from spinal trauma and reveal if any permanent damage is left from the accident that caused the SCI.

\n

Understanding what a contusion is, and how it can come into play following a spinal cord injury is important in order to clearly appreciate your injury, understand your diagnoses, and work toward treatment and a prognosis. Doctors can sometimes use jargon that’s difficult to understand, so the more you can educate yourself about your condition, the more control you can have in your recovery and treatment.

\n

If you still have questions about the details of the spinal cord and how it may be affected from your injury, please contact us or download our guide to understanding a spinal cord injury.", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Spinalcord.com Team" }, "datePublished" : "2020-12-03", "image" : "https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion", "name" : "Warning Signs of a Serious Spinal Contusion", "url" : "https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion" } ``` ```json { "@context":"https://schema.org", "@graph":[{"@type":"WebSite", "@id":"https://spinalcord.com/#website", "url":"https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion", "name":"Spinal Cord Inc", "description":"The spinal cord is a vital part of the human body. As the vehicle responsible for carrying messages from the brain to the rest of the body and back again, even the smallest interference can be detrimental. Following a traumatic spinal cord injury, this bundle of nerves can become bruised, also known as a contusion. Because of the nature of the nervous system, any interference can constitute a serious spinal contusion, but these facts will help you dissect all of the information from the medical professionals.", "inLanguage":"en-US"}, { "@type":"ImageObject", "@id":"Spinalcord Logo", "inLanguage":"en-US", "url":"https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Logos/spinal-cord_png.png", "width":327,"height":300, "caption":"spinal contusion"}, { "@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion/#webpage", "url":"https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion", "name":"Warning Signs of a Serious Spinal Contusion", "isPartOf":{"@id":"https://spinalcord.com/#website"}, "primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion/#primaryimage"}, "datePublished":"2020-12-03T18:30:35+00:00","dateModified":"2020-12-03T18:30:35+00:00", "author":{"@id":"https://www.spinalcord.com/meet-our-authors"}, "description":"The spinal cord is a vital part of the human body. As the vehicle responsible for carrying messages from the brain to the rest of the body and back again, even the smallest interference can be detrimental. Following a traumatic spinal cord injury, this bundle of nerves can become bruised, also known as a contusion. Because of the nature of the nervous system, any interference can constitute a serious spinal contusion, but these facts will help you dissect all of the information from the medical professionals. What Is a Spinal Contusion? Signs-of-a-spinal-contusion-title-image Much like any other bruise, a contusion can cause bleeding from local blood vessels and inflammation which, rather unlike bruises on other parts of the body, can have serious negative impacts on the spinal cord itself. Because the “blood must clot to stop the bleeding”a bruise results from contusions also increase cardiovascular risks. For example, the swelling a contusion can cause will often disrupt nerve impulses that travel from the brain to the body through the spinal cord, and the severity of this will depend upon the level of injury. Unlike a concussion, a contusion would not cause unconsciousness or a ‘blackout’, but instead cause the patient to feel a numbness or tingling in the extremities. A contusion can cause spinal compression, which happens when there is pressure on the spinal cord. This can go on to cause an array of physical symptoms such as loss of sensation in the feet, inability to use the hands and loss of sexual ability. It must be noted that not all contusions cause spinal compression, and not all spinal compression is caused by a contusion, although they do often connect this way. Warning Signs of a Serious Spinal Contusion to Watch For Firstly, doctors will try and establish what area or limb the injury has affected. Spinal contusions most often “affect the upper extremities bilaterally and also sometimes involve the lower extremities,” according to Dr. Wong, an orthopedic physician. Symptoms include “numbness, tingling, [or] electric shock-like sensations and burning in the extremities,” (American Association of Neurological Surgeons, 2016). Generally falling into the category of “spinal trauma” there are many symptoms which are similar to other forms of spinal trauma and spinal cord injury. Below are some symptoms of spinal trauma: Spinal shock — or the loss of feeling or movement below site of injury (Columbia University Medical Centre, 2016) that can last between hours and weeks Loss of bladder or bowel function Difficulty breathing Muscle spasticity Difficulty understanding speech Problems with attention Memory challenges Heart rate and blood pressure problems Unfortunately, it is sometimes challenging to identify which symptoms are due to a spinal contusion, and which ones are the result of a spinal cord injury directly. It can sometimes require a few days or weeks for the body to recover from spinal trauma and reveal if any permanent damage is left from the accident that caused the SCI. Understanding what a contusion is, and how it can come into play following a spinal cord injury is important in order to clearly appreciate your injury, understand your diagnoses, and work toward treatment and a prognosis. Doctors can sometimes use jargon that’s difficult to understand, so the more you can educate yourself about your condition, the more control you can have in your recovery and treatment. If you still have questions about the details of the spinal cord and how it may be affected from your injury, please contact us or download our guide to understanding a spinal cord injury.", "breadcrumb":{"@id":"https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion/#breadcrumb"}, "inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion"]}]}, { "@type":"BreadcrumbList", "@id":"https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion/#breadcrumb", "itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem", "position":1, "item": { "@type":"WebPage", "@id":"https://spinalcord.com/", "url":"https://spinalcord.com/", "name":"Home"}}, {"@type":"ListItem", "position":2, "item":{"@type":"WebPage", "@id":"https://spinalcord.com/blog/", "url":"https://spinalcord.com/blog/", "name":"Articles"}}, {"@type":"ListItem", "position":3, "item":{"@type":"WebPage", "@id":"https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion/", "url":"https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion/", "name":"Warning Signs of a Serious Spinal Contusion"}}]}, {"@type":"Person", "@id":"https://www.spinalcord.com/meet-our-authors", "name":"Spinalcord Team", "image":{"@type":"ImageObject", "@id":"https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Logos/spinal-cord_png.png", "inLanguage":"en-US", "url":"https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Logos/spinal-cord_png.png", "caption":"Spinalcord Team"}, "description":"The authors at SpinalCord.com come from diverse backgrounds including doctors, attorneys, medical journalist, and survivors of spinal cord injuries or traumatic brain injuries. Each author brings with them different experiences and expertise which when combined provide clinically accurate information which is useful to all individuals in the spinal cord and traumatic brain injury communities. Within the content you will find citations to medical journals, scientific research, as well as national and local resources to provide immediate support to families in need of assistance. Content is reviewed and updated regularly with changes in the clinical guidelines, new resources, and fresh ways to understand the content such as videos and infographics. ." } ]} ```