St. Louis Work Injury Lawyer – Work Comp for Neurological Disorders

Even a moderate neurological disorder can make it difficult for a worker to perform job tasks.

Workers can develop neurological disorders as a result of a workplace accident or due to repetitive use of a particular muscle group. Unfortunately, even a moderate neurological disorder can make it difficult for a worker to perform job tasks. Serious disorders can cause permanent disability.

Work-Related Neurological Disorders

A neurological disorder refers to any condition that affects the functioning of the brain, spinal cord, or one or more nerves in the body. These disorders may be caused by a sudden accident or injury, chemical poisoning or exposure. Neurological disorders that can result from a workplace accident include:

Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injury is any damage to the brain tissue. Concussion is one of the most commonly reported TBIs that can result from a blow to the head. A penetrating head injury can cause a TBI. Brain injuries can lead to permanent disability. Depending on the part of the brain affected, the patient may lose muscle control or coordination, or may develop problems with memory, communication, or mood. These injuries can be fatal.

Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injuries include any damage to the spinal cord, which connects the nerves in all parts of the body to the brain. If the spinal cord is damaged but intact, the patient may suffer partial paralysis or impaired or lost motor coordination, tingling or numbness in the affected areas, and pain. If the spinal cord is severed, it can result in complete paralysis. Critical functions such as heart rhythm and breathing may be affected. Spinal cord injuries are among the costliest neurological injuries to treat due to the need for prolonged hospitalization and rehabilitation.

Chemical Exposure

Chemical exposure can lead to neurological disorders. Some chemicals used in the construction, manufacturing, or industrial settings can cause severe neurological injury. For example, lead poisoning can cause serious neurological problems such as numbness, headaches, organ dysfunctions, numbness and tingling, and mental problems. Whether the chemical comes in contact with the skin, is ingested, or breathed in, it can cause neurological injuries.

Repetitive Stress Injury

Repetitive stress injuries can cause neurological disorders that result in tingling and numbness, pain, and limited motion. For example, carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by using the hands in a repeated motion over a prolonged time period, such as using hand tools or typing. Repetitive stress injuries often require surgery, and in some cases, they may not be treatable.

Work Related Injuries