Quadriplegic Patient Suffers From All Four Limbs Paralysis
Tetraplegia, sometimes known as quadriplegia (the word "quad" comes from the Latin for "four"), is a type of paralysis that affects the torso as well as all four limbs. Quadriplegic has severe paralysis below the neck, and many of them can't move at all. The damage high up in the spinal cord, usually in the cervical spine between C1 and C7, is frequently the cause of this type of paralysis.
Dr. Bill ButcherOct 16, 202266 Shares928 Views
Tetraplegia, sometimes known as quadriplegia(the word "quad" comes from the Latin for "four"), is a type of paralysis that affects the torso as well as all four limbs. Quadriplegichas severe paralysis below the neck, and many of them can't move at all.
The damage high up in the spinal cord, usually in the cervical spine between C1 and C7, is frequently the cause of this type of paralysis. The extent of the damage will increase with the severity of the injury.
Lesions to the C1 and C2 vertebrae of the spinal cord often cause death right away because they make it hard to control breathing and other vital functions.
A man assisting a Quadriplegic to bed with a contraption
While you may assume that injury to the arms and legs is necessary for complete paralysis, the majority of quadriplegics have completely healthy (if slightly atrophied) arms and legs. Instead, the spinal cord or brain are typically where the issue originates (or both).
Signals are transmitted to and from the brain via the spinal cord, and when they are processed by the brain, new signals are sent out via the spinal cord.
So, whereas a brain injury impairs the brain's capacity to process these signals, a spinal cord injurystops the brain from sending and receiving them.
Quadriplegia may have a variety of causes. The most frequent cause of this symptom in people is spinal cord trauma(injury). The following are the most common causes of trauma:
Incidents involving motor vehicles, particularly when passengers are not wearing seat belts or when someone is thrown from the car.
Falls (especially those that involve older adults who have bone density-related issues like osteoporosis or osteopenia).
Injuries brought on by violence (gunshot wounds, stab wounds, blunt impact, etc.)
Depending on the underlying cause and the location of the issue in your spine, there might be a wide range of treatments for quadriplegia.
Quadriplegia survivors' chances of recovery can also differ. When dealing with trauma, the aim is to minimize the harm and stop it from getting worse.
This is usually done by fixing the patient in place with backboards, collars, or braces so that their spinal cord stays stable and nothing rubs against it or hurts it.
Fortunately, many SCI (spinal cord injury) survivors can do it. Because the spinal cord has the capacity to restructure itself and undergo adaptive changes known as neuroplasticity, there is a chance that someone with SCI will be able to walk once more.
Any part of the body below the neck cannot be moved by a patient with total quadriplegia; in extreme cases, the neck cannot be moved at all. Quadriplegics can occasionally move their arms but are unable to control their hand movements.
Although there is no known cure for quadriplegia, there are strategies to deal with its symptoms. Mobility can be improved with wheelchairs. The stress of the family caregiver might be lessened by in-home caregivers. Pain and muscle function can both be helped by physical therapy.
A sickness or issue that affects your brain or spinal cord can cause quadriplegia as a symptom. Numerous of these issues and ailments are risky or fatal. You shouldn't attempt to self-diagnose or self-treat quadriplegia as a result but always consult with a specialist.