Paraplegia and Quadriplegia
Paralysis is the term used to describe the loss of movement or feeling following damage to the nervous system. The term also describes the type of paralysis affecting the legs and possibly the trunk of the body. Paralysis can be complete or incomplete depending on the location of the injury. Injuries at the thoracic level and below result in paraplegia. The hands are not affected, however the muscles in the trunk around the abdomen are no longer under control. Sitting balance is usually good, but hip, flexors, and legs may not work.
In addition to a loss of sensation or motor function people with spinal cord injury also must deal with other changes in their body. For instance, they may suffer bowel and or bladder dysfunction. Sexual dysfunction becomes a reality with spinal cord injuries. An inability to regulate blood pressure, reduced control of body temperature along with an inability to sweat and chronic pain are other problems that may occur.
T-1 paraplegia means there is normal hand function, and motor function with the exception of standing and walking. With rehabilitation there is improved respiratory function and trunk balance. Eventually with rehab, standing and walking with walker are possibilities.
Quadriplegia is a spinal cord injury that results in paralysis from the shoulders down. There is usually no feeling or function below the level of damage, and patients experience loss of bladder and bowel control. Quadriplegia is also referred to as tetraplegia, to indicate that the paralysis affects the upper and lower limbs and part or the entire trunk. This type of paralysis occurs when the cells and nerves of the cervical area are injured. This is the most serious type of spinal cord injury and can be life threatening depending on the extent of the paralysis to the trunk and the muscles controlling vital functions such as breathing and blood pressure.
The New York injury attorneys of Worby Groner Edelman, LLP represent victims of auto accidents, brain injury, and wrongful death.