Quadriplegia

Overview

Quadriplegia is a pattern of paralysis that affects a person neck down, making the individual unable to move all his four limbs. Picture it like a pattern of paralysis that prevents the control or intentional movement of muscles. Sometimes, it goes beyond affecting movement and can impact the automatic processes our bodies do to keep us alive. However, it could be treated using

What is Quadriplegia?

Also known as tetraplegia, it is a condition that affects a person's ability to intentionally move their muscles, particularly in the arms and legs. This loss of movement is often the result of accidents, tumours, or issues with the spinal cord, which is a vital part of our body connecting the brain to other areas. It is one of the four types of paralysis, that also includes Monoplegia, Hemiplegia and Paraplegia.

In many cases, quadriplegia is not the primary problem but a sign of underlying issues. It acts like a signal that something is not right in the body. However, there are instances where quadriplegia can occur independently, without being connected to other health problems. The most common scenario is when there's a traumatic injury to the spinal cord. This injury disrupts the messages sent from the brain to different body parts, leading to a loss of movement in the arms and legs. Shockingly, this type of injury is responsible for approximately 60% of quadriplegia cases.

The loss of the ability to move the arms and legs can profoundly impact a person's daily life. Simple tasks that many of us take for granted, like getting dressed or reaching for an object, become major challenges.

Types Of Quadriplegia

There are two main types of Quadriplegia:

In incomplete quadriplegia, only some signals are blocked, so the person might still have some ability to move, feel sensations, or control things like bowel and bladder function. This happens in about one-third of cases. On the other hand, in complete quadriplegia, all signals get blocked, so the person loses muscle control, can't feel sensations, and their brain can't manage automatic processes. This type happens in about 20% of spinal cord injuries.

The way muscles act in quadriplegia can also be different. In flaccid quadriplegia, muscles don't work at all and stay limp. In spastic quadriplegia, muscles don't work by themselves and contract uncontrollably. Living with quadriplegia is a big challenge, but each person's experience is unique, and there are ways to adapt and overcome difficulties with support from medical professionals, therapists, and loved ones.

Symptoms of Quadriplegia

When someone has quadriplegia, the first thing doctors look at is where the injury is in the spinal cord. If the injury is higher up, it usually causes more problems with moving.
The most noticeable sign is that the arms and legs may not work like they used to, and this can also affect the middle part of the body. This means the person might lose control over certain automatic functions, like going to the bathroom, having intimate relations, digesting food, and even breathing.
The loss of movement is a big part of quadriplegia. It means that people can't move their arms and legs like before. Also, they might not feel things the same way. This can include numbness, where you can't feel much, or a burning pain that comes from the nerves.
In addition to not being able to move, there can be changes in how the body senses things. Some areas might feel numb, where you can't feel much at all. In other cases, there might be a kind of pain called neuropathic pain, which can feel like burning.
So, when someone has quadriplegia, it's not just about not being able to move arms and legs; it can also affect how the body takes care of itself automatically and how it senses the world around it. This makes living with quadriplegia quite challenging, and people often need help from doctors, therapists, and those who care about them to find ways to adapt and live their lives as best as possible.

Causes of Quadriplegia

The most common cause of this disorder is an injury to the spinal cord, and this is often a result from accidents. These accidents can be motor vehicle crashes, especially when seat belts are not used or if someone is thrown from the vehicle during a crash. Falls, especially in older adults with bone problems like osteoporosis, and violence-related injuries like gunshot wounds or stabbings, are also common causes. Even sports related injuries can lead to quadriplegia.
Tumours growing on or around the spinal cord, infections attacking the spinal cord, or cysts filled with fluid inside the spinal cord are some examples of other reasons that can lead to quadriplegia.

Sometimes, it can happen because of a lack of blood flow caused by a blocked blood vessel or a blood vessel breaking. Some people are born with conditions that affect their spine or spinal cord, like myelomeningocele or spina bifida. Injuries during birth or early childhood can also lead to quadriplegia, causing conditions like cerebral palsy.
Certain health conditions, like autoimmune or inflammatory issues such as Guillain-Barré syndrome, multiple sclerosis, or transverse myelitis, can also result in quadriplegia. These conditions cause damage to the spinal cord, cervical spine, or brain.
Even lack of oxygen during birth, which can happen due to infectious diseases or complications during childbirth, can lead to quadriplegia in children. So, there are many reasons why someone might experience quadriplegia, and it's essential for doctors to figure out the specific cause to provide the right care and support.

Tests and Treatments of Quadriplegia

Dealing with quadriplegia is a complex journey, and the way to treat it depends on what caused it and where the issue is in your spine. Recovery chances also differ from person to person. For injuries like accidents, the main goal is to limit damage and prevent further harm. Special tools like backboards, collars, or braces are used to keep the spine stable and avoid pressing on it. Early surgeries might be done to ease pressure or stabilize vertebrae and protect the spinal cord.

It's essential to understand that a healthcare provider is the best person to guide you through this. They can explain your situation, suggest treatments, and discuss possible side effects or complications. It's crucial to avoid trying to treat quadriplegia at home, especially if someone might have a spinal cord injury. Small movements can lead to permanent damage, so only trained medical professionals should handle someone with a possible spinal cord problem.
If you're with someone who might have a spine issue, it's vital to call 911 right away and not attempt anything that could make the injury worse. Always seek professional help and avoid self-diagnosis or self-treatment, as many conditions affecting the brain or spinal cord can be dangerous or even deadly. The exception is only if moving the person is necessary to prevent immediate harm or danger, like in a car crash where there's a risk of fire.

Treatment and Management of Quadriplegia

At present, there is no specific treatment for this pattern of paralysis. Doctor's primary focus is on preventing further injury and getting the patient back to leading an active life at the earliest.
Some methods for this include:

Respiratory care
Skin management and care
Exercises to improve movement and strength
Bowel and Bladder control programs
Occupational therapy

Prevention of Quadriplegia

Keeping safe is really important, whether you're at work or having fun. When working or playing, it's crucial to take proper safety steps. If you're around water, make sure not to dive in shallow areas to avoid getting hurt. When riding in a car, always wear your seat belt. It keeps you in place and lowers the chance of getting seriously hurt. So, whether you're at your job or enjoying activities, remembering these safety measures helps keep you safe and sound.