Tetraplegia

Tetraplegia (from ancient Greek τέσσαρες - four and πληγή - blow, damage) is paralysis of all four limbs caused by damage to the spinal cord in the cervical region.

Tetraplegia is a form of quadriplegia - paralysis of both arms and both legs. The difference between tetraplegia is that it affects the motor and sensory nerve fibers coming from the cervical spinal cord and innervating the upper and lower extremities.

With tetraplegia, the mobility of not only the arms and legs, but also the muscles of the trunk and neck usually suffers. Disturbances in the functions of the pelvic organs and breathing may occur. The severity of tetraplegia depends on the level of damage to the spinal cord and the completeness of the damage to the pathways.

The main causes of tetraplegia: injuries of the spine and spinal cord, stroke, spinal cord tumors, inflammatory and degenerative diseases of the nervous system. Treatment is aimed at restoring the functions of the affected limbs and preventing complications. The prognosis depends on the degree of damage to the nervous system. With complete tetraplegia, the likelihood of regaining movement is low.

Tetraplegic: Living in Paralysis

Tetraplegia is paralysis of four limbs with weakness of the back muscles and breathing muscles, especially the diaphragm, which controls breathing. This means that with Tetraplegia it is impossible to sit independently or stand without support. Breathing problems can also cause complications such as sleep apnea and other health problems related to lack of oxygen.

Today, Quadriplegia is rare in children, but among adults it is a fairly common condition that can occur as a result of injury and illness such as cerebral palsy (CP), multiple sclerosis, or stroke. In some people, this occurs after treatment for a neurosurgical condition.

Once a diagnosis is made, an individualized treatment program must be prescribed that takes into account the patient's ability to be independent, the need or need for care, activity, communication, etc. Therapy includes physical and psychological treatments, home therapy, and care of medical equipment.

In general, students with quadriplegia should be able to continue their education and education while hospitalized. When working with these patients, it is necessary to take into account their limitations in physical abilities and the emotional difficulties that may arise from living with paralysis.