What is quadriplegia?
Quadriplegia, also known as tetraplegia, is a spinal cord injury in which the patient may suffer paralysis immediately after an accident. Other causes of quadriplegia may be due to a tumor or other diseases in the spinal canal.
The injury causes partial or total loss of function of the limbs of the sufferers (arms and legs).
They can be classified into five types of spinal cord injuries:
- Complete spinal cord injury A: the most severe. The person has no sensory or motor capacity below the level of the injury.
- Incomplete spinal cord injury B: some sensibility. Limited motor capacity below the level of injury.
- Incomplete spinal cord injury C: the person has sensation and muscle control, although the muscles are weak and non-functional.
- Incomplete spinal cord injury D: muscles 75% functional.
- Incomplete spinal cord injury E: minimal injury. Sensibility and strength are practically normal.
Prognosis of the disease
Any damage to the spinal cord is a complex injury and a prognosis cannot usually be given immediately. It will vary according to severity, which may include more or less disability, sensation and mobility.
In many cases there is a more rapid recovery during the first six months, although small improvements may also occur over one to two years.
Symptoms of quadriplegia
The first thing to assess is the location of the lesion. Generally speaking, lesions higher on the spinal cord cause more paralysis.
The most obvious symptom is impairment of the limbs, which may also affect the functioning of the torso. This can cause a loss in the control of various autonomic functions such as:
- Bladder and bowel
- Sexual function
- Digestion
- Breathing
- Loss of movement
- Loss or alteration of sensation
The patient’s general sensation may be impaired in the affected areas, with signs such as numbness, loss of sensation or burning neuropathic pain.
Medical tests for quadriplegia
The medical professional should perform a physical examination and evaluate the patient’s presenting symptoms. In addition, he or she will consult the patient’s medical history. He or she should also perform a test to check sensory function and movement.
Other tests may include:
- X-rays
- Computed Axial Tomography
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
What causes quadriplegia?
Quadriplegia is caused by damage to the spinal cord, cervical spine or brain.
Traffic accidents are a common cause of injuries, although it can also be caused by a tumor or diseases in the spinal canal. Diseases that can cause quadriplegia are transverse myelitis, multiple sclerosis, Guillain-Barr syndrome, among others.
In other cases, the lesions may occur in children: before, during or after birth. The most common cause is the loss of oxygen in the baby’s brain, suffering a lack of oxygen for a short period of time. This lack of oxygen may be due to an infectious disease or complications during childbirth.
Can it be prevented?
It is important to take appropriate safety measures while working or playing sports. It is also important to be careful when diving into shallow water.
Finally, it is important to wear seat belts, which reduce the chances of serious injury in a traffic accident.
Treatment for quadriplegia
Although there is currently no treatment, it will depend on the extent of the injury and the patient’s condition. Loss of function and sensation in certain areas of the body is addressed.
For spinal cord injuries, the aim is to prevent further injury and to try to enable the patient to return to as active a life as possible, with the highest quality of life.
Some of the treatments may include:
- Respiratory care
- Skin care
- Exercises to improve movement and strength
- Occupational therapy
- Bowel and bladder control programs
What specialist treats you?
Quadriplegia is treated by a multidisciplinary team, which will vary depending on the severity of the injury. They may include specialists in Neurology or Physical Therapy.