Quadriplegia is a type of paralysis that affects both the upper and lower body, caused by brain or spinal cord injuries. It can cause loss of sensation and function, as well as bladder and bowel control, digestion, and breathing problems. Some quadriplegics retain some functionality, and not all are confined to a wheelchair.
Quadriplegia is a type of paralysis and loss of sensation that affects a person’s upper and lower body. It usually begins at or around the shoulders and extends down, including both arms and legs. A quadriplegic individual may lack sensation in the affected areas and lose the ability to control the affected body parts. For example, an affected individual is typically unable to feel and lift their arms and legs.
Brain or spinal cord injuries are usually the cause of quadriplegia. An injury to the spinal cord that causes tetraplegia is referred to as a lesion. Such injuries can occur in traffic accidents or falls. Some people develop quadriplegia as a result of a sports injury. The condition can also result from a disease, such as polio.
A person is said to have a complete spinal cord injury if they are totally paralyzed underneath an injury. If there is any function or sensation underneath the injury, the individual is said to have an incomplete spinal cord injury. For example, an individual may be able to feel body parts under an injury but not move them. The condition can work in the opposite way as well, allowing patients to have control of their body parts but no sensation.
In addition to loss of function and sensation in the arms and legs, an individual with quadriplegia may face loss of bladder and bowel control and impaired digestion. Breathing may also be impaired, particularly in patients with injuries affecting the upper spinal cord. Quadriplegics often struggle with pressure sores, infections, and fractures. Many also battle depression.
Many quadriplegics have injuries that leave them feeling numb and without function for the duration of their lives. Some, however, make up for a small amount of functionality. Many patients require machines to help them breathe, while others are able to breathe on their own. Some are able to handle activities of daily living independently, while others are completely dependent on others for their care.
Interestingly, the idea that all quadriplegics are confined to a wheelchair is a misconception; some retain the ability to walk. The function and sensation a person has depends on the severity of their injury. An individual may be more severely affected on one side of the body or even a certain area of the body. For example, an individual may lose function in their fingers but not their arms. Likewise, he may lose sensation in one leg but retain some sensation in the other.
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