Quadriplegia, also known as quadriplegia, is the loss of movement of the arms, trunk and legs, usually caused by injuries that reach the spinal cord at the level of the cervical spine, due to situations such as trauma in accidents, cerebral hemorrhage, serious spinal deformities. or neurological diseases.
The loss of movement can have different intensities, ranging from a weakness to the total loss of the ability to move the limb. Depending on the level of the injury, the respiratory capacity may also be compromised, and the use of devices to assist breathing may be indicated.
In addition, quadriplegia may be accompanied by other complications, such as:
- Changes in the sensitivity of the affected region; Changes in the muscle tone of the affected limbs, with the possibility of flaccidity (flaccid tetraplegia) or spasticity (spastic tetraplegia); Changes in the functioning of the bladder and bowel; Neuropathic pain, which is a type of pain caused by neurological injuries. Better understand what is neuropathic pain and how to treat it; Sexual dysfunction; Osteoporosis; Pressure ulcers; Other neurological changes, such as the appearance of unexplained sweat or changes in blood circulation;
Tetraplegia is different from paraplegia, since in paraplegia there is spinal cord injury below the thoracic region, affecting the trunk and lower limbs, preserving strength in the arms. Check out more details about Paraplegia.
To treat the changes, which can be recovered in some cases, and readjust to daily activities, the person with quadriplegia must be accompanied not only by the neurologist, but also by a team composed of physiotherapist and occupational therapist. In addition, psychological counseling is also indicated, as the loss of physical capacities can also leave the person more vulnerable to the appearance of changes in self-esteem and depression.
What are the causes
Quadriplegia usually arises from a spinal cord injury at the level of the cervical region, impairing the communication of the nervous system with the arms and legs. The main causes include:
- Spine injuries due to car accidents, gunshot injuries, falls and diving. Learn the main causes of spinal injuries and how to identify; Stroke in the spinal cord or specific regions of the brain; Tumors affecting the spinal cord; Stenosis of the spinal canal; Severe spinal deformities; Fractures in the vertebrae, due to weakening caused by osteoporosis, osteomyelitis, bone tuberculosis or cancer; herniated disc; spinal infections such as transverse myelitis or tropical spastic paraparesis; neurological diseases, such as multiple sclerosis or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, for example.
In order to detect quadriplegia, the neurologist must perform a detailed neurological examination, in which he will assess the muscular strength, the sensitivity of the region and the reflexes, being able to observe the severity, request tests and determine the best treatments.
How the treatment is done
A person with quadriplegia can heal or partially recover the movements, however, this depends on the cause and severity of the injury.
Initial treatment is guided by the cause. Spinal injuries should be treated by a neurosurgeon or orthopedist experienced in this situation, with immobilization, traction of the region and surgery. Neurological diseases, such as stroke and ALS, are treated with guidance from the neurologist, with specific medications for each disease.
With quadriplegia installed, the treatment is aimed at the rehabilitation of the patient, with physical therapy, occupational therapy, physical activities and psychological monitoring. The use of orthoses to correct posture or stabilize areas of the body may also be indicated.
In addition, the person with quadriplegia will need to adapt their daily activities so that they can maintain their independence as much as possible, which includes the use of specific wheelchairs, support devices, feeding facilitators or software to control the use of the computer, for example.
A caregiver may be needed to assist with activities such as hygiene and bathing. Check out guidelines on how to care for a bedridden person.
