A transverse myelitis is a serious form of injury with lifelong impact. Damage to the spinal cord causes permanent paralysis and affects all facets of daily life.
What does transverse myelitis entail?
A transverse myelitis arises from damage to the spinal cord, disrupting communication between the brain and body either completely or partially. The severity and location of the damage determine the effects on the body.
Classification by level of transverse myelitis
| Level | Location | Effects |
|---|---|---|
| Cervical (C1-C8) | Neck | Quadriplegia (paralysis of arms and legs) |
| Thoracic (T1-T12) | Chest | Paraplegia (paralysis of legs) |
| Lumbar (L1-L5) | Lower back | Paraplegia (partial paralysis of legs) |
| Sacral (S1-S5) | Sacrum | Limited functional loss |
Complete or incomplete injury
- Complete transverse myelitis: no function remaining below the site of damage
- Incomplete transverse myelitis: some functions remain preserved
Impact on life
A transverse myelitis drastically changes almost every aspect of a person's life.
Physical consequences
Direct effects
- Paralysis of limbs
- Sensory loss
- Problems with bladder and bowel function
- Sexual limitations
- Difficulty with temperature regulation
- Chronic neuropathic pain
Later complications
- Pressure sores (decubitus ulcers)
- Urinary tract infections
- Muscle spasms (spasticity)
- Bone demineralization
- Autonomic dysreflexia (with high-level damage)
- Respiratory problems
Emotional and social impact
- Feelings of depression and anxiety
- Change in self-image
- Strains in relationships
- Sense of isolation
- Loss of job and financial security
Required support
Individuals with transverse myelitis often require extensive assistance and adaptations to structure their lives.
Facilities and aids
| Type | Examples | Cost indication |
|---|---|---|
| Wheelchair | Manual or electric wheelchair | €2,000 - €50,000 |
| Home adaptation | Stairlift, adapted bathroom, wider doors | €50,000 - €200,000+ |
| Vehicle adaptation | Hand controls, wheelchair-accessible vehicle | €10,000 - €100,000 |
| Other aids | Hoist, shower chair, catheters | Variable |
Care requirements
The intensity of required care depends on the level of the lesion.
Care hours per level of injury
| Level | Care type | Hours per day |
|---|---|---|
| High cervical (C1-C4) | Continuous care | 24 hours |
| Low cervical (C5-C8) | Extensive help with daily tasks | 8-16 hours |
| High thoracic | Assistance with transfers and household | 4-8 hours |
| Low thoracic/lumbar | Minimal assistance | 1-4 hours |
Compensation for transverse myelitis in Leiden
In personal injury law, claims for transverse myelitis rank among the highest amounts, due in part to the enormous impact on life.
Types of compensation
Loss of income
For young victims, future loss of income can run into the millions. This is calculated based on expected earnings minus any remaining work capacity.
Care and nursing costs
Lifelong care costs for severe transverse myelitis can amount to €3-5 million, depending on life expectancy and care intensity.
Costs for adaptations
Costs for home adaptations, wheelchairs, and other aids, which must be replaced regularly, can amount to €500,000 to €1 million over a lifetime.
Pain and suffering compensation
For complete transverse myelitis, pain and suffering awards of €150,000 to €350,000 or higher are granted.
Practical advice
- Seek immediate help from a personal injury lawyer experienced in transverse myelitis cases
- Have a rehabilitation physician map out your care needs
- Apply for advances for urgent adaptations
- Account for future reassessments of the damage
- Involve the rehabilitation center in establishing the claim
Legal support in Leiden
For legal assistance, you can go to the Juridisch Loket Leiden at Stationsweg 46. Additionally, the District Court of The Hague, Leiden location handles cases relating to personal injury and compensation.