This condition is the inability to move the limbs or torso due to traumatic injury to the areas of the spinal cord located in the neck. These areas correspond to cervical vertebrae C1 through C8, which start at the top of the neck and continue down to the base of the neck. The spinal cord is made up of the nerves that surround the bones and disks comprising the spine. The areas of paralysis are affected based on where the trauma occurred; damage to areas nearest to the highest vertebrae (C1) or nerves result total paralysis of the arms as well as the body and legs, while damage to lower vertebrae or nerves may allow for some movement or sensation in the shoulders, triceps, wrists and/or hands, while the trunk, pelvis and legs remain paralyzed.

Besides paralysis, a person who has experienced quadriplegia also typically cannot walk, breathe, digest food, or excrete bodily waste without ongoing assistance. Additionally, muscle spasms, severe pain, infertility, sexual inability, and a reduced lifespan are common results following a quadriplegia diagnosis.

What Are Possible Causes?

Motor vehicle accidents, falls, gunshot wounds and sporting accidents are the most common causes of damage to the spinal cord resulting in quadriplegia. The spinal cord transmits messages from the brain throughout the body, and damage to this area results in major or total restriction in sensation and movement.

What Are Symptoms?

Immediate treatment following a spinal cord injury is crucial. As mentioned, impaired function in the arms, torso and bodily systems are hindered with this kind of spinal cord injury, and numbness, limited sensation, or burning pain can result. Also, people who become quadriplegic are more likely to experience pressure sores, osteoporosis and fractures, frozen joints, spasticity, respiratory complications and infections, deep vein thrombosis and cardiovascular disease.

What is Treatment for Quadriplegia?

Treatment is usually individualized to each person, depending on need and how severe injuries are. Ongoing, medical, nursing, and psychological care as well as the need for medication, medical and assistive devices will likely be necessary for a lifetime. Such care can be costly, and the attorneys at Altman & Altman can help you determine if compensation for injury, pain and suffering, and more is possible. Call us at 617.492.3000 or 800.481.6199 (toll–free), or contact us online for a free consultation.