Quadriplegia: symptoms, causes, treatment

Definition

What is quadriplegia?

Quadriplegia, or tetraplegia, is paralysis of the hands, body, legs and pelvic organs. Quadriplegia is caused by damage to your spinal cord. If your spinal cord is damaged, you will lose your sense of taste and movement.

Many problems can occur after an injury to the spinal cord. Some of the problems include extremely low blood pressure or a very slow heart rate. You may have difficulty breathing, or you may not be able to breathe without assistance. Paralysis can cause injury to the skin and muscles to contract. You can also experience blood clots that can be life threatening.

Sometimes your body can't respond appropriately to problems with the urinary or intestines. This condition is called autonomic dysreflexia, which causes blood pressure to be very high. If not treated immediately, this condition can lead to stroke and even death. If you have quadriplegia and you don't get treatment, you can't take care of yourself. Talk to your caregiver if you have questions or concerns about medications or treatments.

How common is quadriplegia?

This condition is very common and can occur in patients of any age. Quadriplegia can be treated by reducing risk factors. Talk to your doctor for more information.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of quadriplegia?

Your symptoms depend on the location and severity of the spinal cord injury. Common symptoms of quadriplegia are:

• Bowel and urinary incontinence
• Indigestion
• Difficulty breathing
• Numbness and reduced sensation
• Stiff muscles, especially in the hands and feet
• Unable to move or feel under the affected area

There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

You should contact your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Fever
• Difficulty urinating or urinating less than usual
• The stomach is swollen and hard
• There is blood in the urine or feces
• Dizziness, shortness of breath and chest pain
• Coughing up blood
• Hands or feet feel warm, sensitive and sore, look swollen and red
• Blurred vision or seeing freckles
• Cold, dry skin with goosebumps under spinal cord injury
• Hot, sweaty, red skin over spinal cord injury
• Sudden headache
• You have a question or concern about your condition.

Cause

What causes quadriplegia?

The main cause of quadriplegia is spinal cord injury, but other conditions such as cerebral palsy and stroke can cause paralysis that looks the same. Apart from health conditions, car accidents, work-related injuries are other causes of quadriplegia.

Risk factors

What increases my risk for quadriplegia?

There are many factors that put you at risk for quadriplegia, namely:

• Men. Most of the spinal cord injuries affect men.
• Are over 65 years of age. Falls are a major cause of injury in the elderly.
• Disorders of the bones or joints. Minor injuries can cause injury to the spinal cord if you have other disorders affecting the bones or joints, such as arthritis or osteoporosis.

Medicines & Medicines

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How is quadriplegia diagnosed?

Tests can include:

• Computerized tomography (CT) scan. CT scans can show more obvious abnormalities than X-rays. This scan uses a computer to combine a collection of cross-sectional images that can show problems with the bone, disc and other joints.
• X-ray. Medical personnel will usually recommend this test to people who are suspected of having an injury to the spinal cord after trauma. X-rays can show tumor problems, fractures or degenerative changes in the spine.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI uses a strong magnetic field and sound waves to produce images. This test is very useful for looking at the spinal cord and showing the discs of the joints with hernias, blood clots and other clots that can put pressure on the spinal cord.

What are the treatments for quadriplegia?

You will need to stay in the hospital after the injury has occurred. You will then be transferred to a rehabilitation center, which aims to help you take care of yourself as best as possible. The medical team will help you learn to treat quadriplegia. Ask for more information regarding the following rehabilitation treatments:

• Respiratory care includes exercise and treatments to help you breathe and keep your lungs healthy. You will need respiratory care if you have difficulty breathing. You will probably need a ventilantor machine to help with breathing.
• Skin care helps prevent pressure sores. The specialists will help you learn how to keep your skin healthy.
• A physical therapist will teach you exercises to improve your movement and strength.
• An occupational therapist will help you learn to do daily activities.
• Bowel and urinary programs to help you deal with when you urinate or defecate.

Home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be used to treat quadriplegia?

Here are lifestyle and home remedies that can help you deal with quadriplegia:

• Drive carefully. Accidents are a major cause of injury to the spinal cord. Use a seat belt every time you drive or get in the car.
• Avoid falling.
• Be careful when exercising.
• Don't drink alcohol and drive.
• Take medication as directed.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.