Injuries are often called "catastrophic" when the physical injuries to a person are especially severe, and require extensive medical treatment. Often, the injuries may cause damage to a person's central nervous system, which may affect other bodily systems or functions. Examples of catastrophic injuries include:
Spinal cord injuries
Paralysis
Brain injuries
Amputations
Burns over a large portion of the body
Loss of an eye
Injuries to the nerves in the chest, shoulder, and arm (brachial plexus)
Multiple fractures
In addition, many people who suffer catastrophic injuries also suffer depression or other emotional problems because of the limitations put on them by their injuries.
