Loss of sensation below the site of the injury. For some tetraplegics, this sensation loss is complete and permanent. Inability to move the limbs below the site of the injury. Though some movement may return, the overwhelming majority of quadriplegics continue to struggle with loss of muscle control and generalized weakness. Any injury to the central nervous system a brain or spinal cord injury can result in increased muscle tone known as spasticity. This can make moving parts of the body even harder due to increased muscle tone.
There are a variety of diagnostic tests that a doctor may conduct to verify a case of paraplegia or tetraplegia. The specific examinations used may vary from one case to the next depending on the suspected cause of the condition, though additional tests may be used to check for other issues. Generally speaking, a tetraplegia or paraplegia diagnosis begins with a general review of the patient's symptoms , comprehensive physical exam focusing on muscle strength, sensation exam and reflexes, and general health.
An extensive examination to determine specifics about a spinal cord injury is called the "International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury", previously known as the "ASIA" exam and this information can give the doctor a rough idea of which specific follow-up procedures, imaging and examinations they should conduct to get a more specific prognosis.
Most of the time, a case of tetraplegia or paraplegia will have a set cause that a doctor can readily determine. So, differential diagnoses lists of alternative conditions that could be causing the same symptoms are generally considered a non-factor. So much so that, for quadriplegia, Physiopedia states that "There is no differential diagnosis, the ASIA classification excludes other disorders.
After a basic physical, a doctor may use several diagnostic procedures to learn more about a paraplegic or tetraplegic's condition:.
There are no current treatments for spinal cord injuries, however there are many promising research studies focusing on this subject. However, some tetraplegics do experience significant improvements in their tetraplegia symptoms with the right therapy. Some therapy options include:. Physical therapy is frequently used to help paralysis patients not only build muscle mass and fight atrophy, but to re-learn how to control their bodies after a paralyzing injury.
Activity-based therapy centers offer a broad range of exercises and activities for paraplegics and quadriplegics to help them live a healthier lifestyle. Paraplegics often engage in various forms of exercise, such as water aerobics, lifting weights, and more to improve circulation and prevent muscle atrophy. To treat psychological conditions such as chronic depression that may affect a tetraplegic following their injury or illness, they may seek psychotherapy treatment.
A therapist might recommend medications or group therapy sessions to help their patients adjust to their new lifestyle. Spinal cord injury support groups can help tetraplegics quadriplegics , paraplegics, and others learn how to cope with life after paralysis. Research suggests, for example, that the brain can compensate for even extensive injuries in some areas, but that recovery from injuries in other areas is virtually impossible.
Since there is still so much about the brain and spinal cord that we do not yet know, it can be difficult to give an accurate prognosis to quadriplegics. A thorough exam by a physician can assist with general prognosis based on severity and level of injury, however each patient and each case is unique. Some functions and sensations may return once swelling at the injury has receded. Some tetraplegics even spontaneously recover. Surgery and other types of therapy can help, particularly if the surgeon is able to remove something that is compressing the spinal cord or impeding the brain's function.
Since it cannot guarantee a full recovery, therapy instead attempts to improve the long-term prognosis, better the quality of life, and adjust to living around the injury. Aside from the basic symptoms outlined previously, tetraplegics and paraplegics may experience several complications and side effects. Difficulties with elimination , i. This is a leading cause of death among spinal cord injury survivors.
Respiratory infections are especially common in the months following an injury and among quadriplegics who require assistive breathing devices. Men may struggle to get erections, while women may struggle with lubrication. Facing Disability Blog. Topics menu. Joanne C. Tags accessibility accident ADA adaptive adaptive equipment Adaptive technology Americans with Disabilities Act Ben Mattlin caregiver Cerebral Palsy challenges children Disability Disability advocacy Disability Inclusion disability rights Disabled discrimination employment family feelings independence kids Love marriage mother Occupational therapy Paralysis paralyzed Paraplegia parents post-injury progress Quadriplegia Rehabilitation sci sex Spinal Cord Injury spinal muscular atrophy sports support Tetraplegia Travel wheelchair work.
March 5, at pm. Tashana says:. November 12, at am. Bos says:. July 7, at pm. This damage and weakness is due to the lack of a…. Hypokalemic periodic paralysis is a rare disorder in which a person experiences episodes of painless muscle weakness and often paralysis. Learn more. Paralysis is a loss of muscle function in part of your body. It can affect any part of your body at any time in your life.
A treatment plan and…. You can have a slipped disc in any part of your spine, from your neck to your lower back. Read more about symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment. The vagus nerve is the longest of the 12 cranial nerves.
Here, learn about its anatomy, functions, and the kinds of health problems that can occur. Muscle twitching refers to small muscle contractions in the body.
Learn more about the causes and treatment here. Parosmia is term used to describe health conditions that distort your sense of smell. If you have parosmia, you may experience a loss of scent…. Abnormal posturing refers to rigid body movements and chronic abnormal positions of the body.
Learn more here. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Medically reviewed by Saurabh Sethi, M. Injury within this region of the spine typically results in complete paralysis of the arms and legs, with limited neck movement depending on the muscle strength of the individual. A patient with this type of injury will have a compromised sympathetic nervous system and require complete care with everyday tasks, ranging from eating to domestic care of their household.
In addition, the patient will be fully ventilator dependent, as the diaphragm muscles used to breathe will also be paralyzed. Patients with a C4 injury will generally have full head and neck movement as well as slight shoulder movement, though there is still full paralysis of the arms and legs.
As with the C1-C3 injury, complete care is usually still required. With regards to the respiratory system, the patient may be weaned from a mechanical ventilator, but assistance with coughing and removal of secretions may be necessary. With injury to this vertebrae, there is typically full neck and head movement with good muscle strength as well as good shoulder control.
There is still paralysis of the arms and legs at this level with varying degrees of elbow movement, but the individual may be able to feed themselves using a feeding strap and fork or spoon so long as the food is precut. Patients with a C5 injury have more independence, as some may have the ability to drive a car fitted with special hand controls and complete small tasks with assistance such as loading their wheelchair into a car or brushing their hair by use of palm straps.
Additionally, patients may breathe without ventilator assistance but may have low stamina and tire easily. With a C6 injury, there is enough movement in the hands that an electric wheelchair with hand controls for uneven surfaces may be used as well as a manual wheelchair for a short period of time on a flat surface.
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