When most people think of a quadriplegic, they think of Christopher Reeve, though in truth few are actually that impaired. This article describes the variety of abilities quadriplegics may have following their trauma, and some of the major issues involved in recovery.
The Facts
Quadriplegia, sometimes called tetraplegia, is defined as nerve impairment in four limbs. Unlike paraplegia, it involves both arms and both legs, though it can sometimes be hard to differentiate. A quadriplegic has damaged one or more segments of the cervical spinal cord, which is the area between the bottom of the skull and the base of the neck. This causes various degrees of impairment in sensation and in motor control.
Misconceptions
Most people think that a quadriplegic is completely paralyzed from the neck down, but this is rarely the case. The nerves that control movement of the arms come from all levels of the cervical spinal cord. Even high-level quadriplegics who require ventilators can usually shrug their shoulders. As the spinal cord nerves travel down the column in the neck, they allow different parts of the arms to move, and many quadriplegics can actually lift their arms and bend their elbows.
Type
There are two basic classifications of quadriplegia: complete and incomplete. Complete quadriplegia is a total paralysis and loss of sensation associated with the nerves below the injured spinal level. This type is common after diving accidents and car crashes. Incomplete quadriplegics may have some preserved movement and sensation in the nerves below their injured spinal level. This type of quadriplegia may be caused by a gunshot wound or a tumor. Complete quadriplegics are confined to wheelchairs and may require help to do basic things like getting dressed or even eating. Incomplete quadriplegics, on the other hand, may be able to move their legs and even walk after their accident.
Risk Factors
Simply surviving a spinal cord injury is a mean feat. Most quadriplegics have extensive hospital stays due to related complications, such as difficulty breathing, a head injury or broken bones. Even a patient who becomes quadriplegic and has no other associated injuries is still at risk for a spinal cord-specific disorder called autonomic dysreflexia, or AD. AD occurs when an irritant activates the nervous system below the injured spinal level, causing it to go into overdrive. Symptoms include a pounding headache, profuse sweating and jitters. It can be life-threatening and may be caused by something as seemingly insignificant as a tight shoe. In addition to AD, quadriplegics are at risk for pressure sores, pneumonia and falls.
Significance
Not surprisingly, becoming a quadriplegic forces a complete lifestyle change. Yes, many quadriplegics are active members of society, and communities are generally more accessible to them than ever before. Still, even well-adjusted individuals go through the biggest change of their lives when they become paralyzed. Every person deals with this differently. Some become religious, while others may denounce their faith. Some use their injury to change their paths in life, which might not have been moving in a positive direction. Some take their own lives, unable to deal with the change. One of the most important things a new quadriplegic can do is find peer support to help with this transition.
Tags: spinal cord, injured spinal, injured spinal level, quadriplegics have, spinal level