Quadriplegia, also known as Tetraplegia. In Quadriplegia, a person has partially or completely lost his/her all four limbs( Both legs and arms) and torso. It’s a kind of paralysis situation, where you lose your sensation and control of your limbs. Quadriplegia is similar to Quadriparesis, but it’s slightly different because in Quadriparesis, a person partially loses his/her control of your limbs but in Quadriplegia, it’s partially or completely lost the ability to move their limbs.
Causes of Quadriplegia by Dr. Shailesh Jain
Quadriplegia most often caused by spinal cord injury, Brain damage(which causes many other unpredictable effects, such as changes in a person’s mood or ability to think.) tumours, cervical spine injury. Most of the spinal cord injuries happen by accidents, such as traffic accidents,Auto accidents, Motorcycle accidents, falls, Gunshots accidents, Surgical complications, pedestrian accidents,Being hit by flying objects, Diving and sports injuries. This injury means lesion, called damage or abnormal change in the tissue of an organism.
There are five different types of spinal cord Injuries,
Complete spinal cord injury A: Most severe/serious type of spinal cord injury. Such a patient has no sensation or motor function below the injury.
Incomplete spinal cord injury B: Such a patient has some sensation but the motor function is limited below the injury.
Incomplete spinal cord injury C: Such a patient has some sensation and muscle control, but the muscles are weak and non-functional.
Incomplete spinal cord injury D: Such a patient has muscles that are 75% functional.
Incomplete spinal cord injury E: Minor type of spinal cord injury. Such a patient has almost normal sensation and strength.
Also Can be caused by diseases such as,
Multiple sclerosis: It is a potentially disabling disease of the brain and spinal cord, where the immune system attacks the protective sheath (myelin) that covers nerve fibers and causes communication problems between your brain and the rest of your body.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig disease: It is a progressive nervous system disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, causing loss of muscle control.
Transverse myelitis: Transverse myelitis is an irritation of the two sides of one segment of the spinal cord. This neurological problem regularly harms the insulating material covering nerve cell fibers (myelin). Transverse myelitis interferes with the messages that the spinal cord nerves send throughout the body. This can cause pain, muscle weakness, paralysis, sensory issues, or bladder and bowel dysfunction.
Guillain–Barré syndrome: Guillain-Barre condition is an uncommon issue wherein your body’s immune system attacks your nerves. Weakness and tingling in your limits are typically the first side effects. These sensations can immediately spread, and eventually paralyze your entire body.
Symptoms of Quadriplegia:
The basic symptoms of Quadriplegia:
Numbness/loss of feeling in the body, particularly in the limbs(arms and legs) or burning neuropathic pain;
Paralysis of the limbs (arms and leg)
Urinary retention and bowel dysfunction caused by lack of muscle control (which means paralysis does not allow for coordinated action for ureters, bladder, and associated muscles.)
Breathing Difficulty
Digestion Difficulty
Medical Tests for Quadriplegia:
According to Dr Shailesh Jain AIIMS Neurosurgeon, The doctor will carry out a physical examination and Assess the patient’s symptoms. They will investigate the patient’s clinical history and do certain tests to check sensory functions and movements of the body.
Apart from that, Other Tests may Include (Based on the patient’s conditions):
X-Rays
CT Scan
MRI Scan
Spinal Taps
Blood Tests
EMG Tests
Treatment of Quadriplegia:
There is no specific treatment, you are required to consult any neurosurgeon because it will depend on the extent of the injury and the patient’s condition. Quadriplegia patients do not have control over their body or senses, quadriplegia patients are always dependent on associates for getting around, going to the washroom, eating, and each other everyday movement.
Some treatment may include for Quadriplegia Patient’s:
Respiratory care
Skin management and skincare
Exercises to improve movement and strength
Occupational therapy
Bowel and bladder control programmes
How can it be Prevented:
Wearing a seat belt can decrease the danger of a genuine physical issue in a car crash or traffic accidents. Always wear helmets while travelling (Motorcycle or Bicycle), Always follow appropriate safety measures when at work or exercising.
Prognosis:
Prognosis can not be immediately given because all spinal injuries are complex, without consultation it will be dangerous to your health. It will depend on patients’ severity such as disability, mobility and sensitivity. Much of the time, the recovery is quicker in the initial a half year, and little upgrades may happen a year or two later.
About the Dr. Shailesh Jain
Dr Shailesh Jain AIIMS Neurosurgeon is the Best doctor for Paralysis in Pitampura, He deals with patients across all ages and specializes in Brain Treatment and Spinal Treatment etc. He is a principal consultant neurosurgeon and treats patients in the Max Super Speciality Hospital, Shalimar Bagh Branch and also practices in his own neurology center at Arihant Neurospine Clinic.
You can Book an appointment for any kind of spinal injury as well as Brain Injury.
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