BACK PAIN

DIAGNOSES

MIND & BODY

TREATMENTS

RECOVERY

[?] Subscribe To This Site

Tetraplegia

Tetraplegia is also commonly known as quadriplegia. This condition can be the result of a serious spinal cord injury due to trauma, disease or a congenital or developmental defect in the spinal anatomy. Patients affected with this condition suffer from reduced or lost functionality and feeling in all four limbs, as well as other potentially serious systemic effects.

It is crucial to remember that just because a person is quadriplegic does not inherently mean that they have no physical functionality. In fact, far more incomplete spinal cord injuries exist than complete cord traumas. These incomplete injuries cause partial quadriplegia conditions, wherein the affected person will maintain some ability to move or feel their anatomy below the affected site of injury.

Tetraplegia Causes

Advertisement:

The most common cause of quadriplegia is spinal cord damage due to trauma. Car accidents, falls, sports injuries and gun shots are all to blame for permanently ending normal spinal function in many patients every year. Certain disease processes can also attack the spinal structures, causing complete or partial paralysis in the entire body. Congenital conditions, such as severe spina bifida, might prevent the normal development of the spine, leading to a tetraplegic condition. Unfortunately, most instances of spinal cord injury can not be reversed and most conditions are considered permanent.

Tetraplegic Description

Quadriplegia exists due to cervical spinal cord damage. Any significant injury to the cord above the C7 level might create some form of quadriplegic condition. The higher the level of spinal injury, the worse the symptomology will be. Damage above C5 will certainly cause internal issues with bodily function, as well as the usual total or partial paralysis of all four appendages. Injuries higher than C3 are more serious yet and can become life threatening. The highest cervical spinal level injuries will leave the patient completely dysfunctional and unable to do much of anything for themselves. This includes the basic functions of breathing and autonomic functionality.

Tetraplegia Advice

Although quadriplegia is perhaps the most severe of all spinal conditions, technological advancements have made the experience more bearable for affected patients. Great advances in personal mobility, communication and portable life support have opened many doors for quadriplegics, which were sealed shut for many years. Even the least functional individuals now have the chance to live a far fuller lifestyle and find the personal freedom which is the right of every living thing on this Earth.

Quadriplegia requires constant monitoring by a qualified healthcare provider. Tetraplegics demonstrate very specific needs for preventative care and must be vigilant of any potentially catastrophic conditions which might affect their health at any time. The nature of being a quadriplegic is one of enduring a compromised immune system and a weakened ability to fight off disease and infection. These are some of the biggest hurdles for many affected patients to endure. However, with a watchful eye and an informed mind, most patients can maintain good health for many years.

Advertisement:

Tetraplegia to Back Pain 7/30/08 Revised 12/4/11

THIS ARTICLE BY:
Sensei Adam Rostocki

SEARCH THE SITE

Mission Statement
Editorial Board
Legal
Privacy Policy
Site Funding Disclosure
Source Material

Advisory: This website is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition. Any medical condition should be referred to a qualified medical professional. This website is designed to complement, but never replace, the relationship between doctor and patient.