What is a quadriplegic?

Quadriplegia refers to paralysis from the neck down, including the trunk, legs and arms. The condition is typically caused by an injury to the spinal cord that contains the nerves that transmit messages of movement and sensation from the brain to parts of the body.

Can quadriplegics use their hands?

Sometimes people with quadriplegia can move their arms, but have no control over their hand movements. They cannot grasp things or make other motions which would allow them a little independence. New treatment options have been able to help some of these patients regain hand function.

What causes quadriplegic?

Quadriplegia happens when the damage is at the base of the neck or skull. The most common cause is trauma, such as from a sports injury, car accident, or fall. Other causes are: Multiple sclerosis.

Can a quadriplegic move their arms and legs?

Quadriplegia is the most severe form of paralysis. A quadriplegic would not be able to move the arms or legs. The torso, including breathing muscles, maybe paralyzed as well.

Can a quadriplegic woman have a baby?

Despite their physical limitations, women who are paralyzed can become pregnant and have a vaginal birth. While paralyzed men tend to have some difficulty with sexual function, paralyzed women typically continue to menstruate and experience the same level of sexual desire as non-paralyzed women.

Can a quadriplegic speak?

Quadriplegia affects the body from the neck down, which can significantly reduce a person’s independence. Depending on the extent of the paralysis, a person with quadriplegia may experience: limited or complete absence of arm and hand function. problems speaking, swallowing, or breathing without assistance.

Can a quadriplegic man get a woman pregnant?

While money may be a factor in becoming a father if you’re paralyzed, having children is now a possibility for paralyzed men. Only around 10% of men with spinal cord injuries are able to conceive naturally (if they use erection medication).

What’s the difference between paraplegic and quadriplegic?

Paraplegia refers to the loss of movement and sensation in both legs and, sometimes, part of the lower abdomen. Quadriplegia affects all four limbs and, sometimes, parts of the chest, abdomen, and back. Both are forms of paralysis that often result from injury to the spinal cord.

Can quadriplegic be cured?

There is no cure for quadriplegia, but there are ways to address the effects of quadriplegia. Wheelchairs can help with mobility. At home caregivers can ease the burden of the family caregiver. Physical therapy can help with pain and muscle function.

How long can you live as a quadriplegic?

Individuals aged 60 years at the time of injury have a life expectancy of approximately 7.7 years (patients with high tetraplegia), 9.9 years (patients with low tetraplegia), and 12.8 years (patients with paraplegia).

What does it mean to be a quadriplegic?

Definition of quadriplegic. : one affected with partial or complete paralysis of both the arms and legs especially as a result of spinal cord injury or disease in the region of the neck.

What is it like being a quadriplegic?

Quadriplegia is paralysis caused by illness or injury to a human that results in the partial or total loss of use of all their limbs and torso; Paraplegia is similar but does not affect the arms. The loss is usually sensory and motor, which means both sensation and control are lost.

What is a paraplegic and a quadriplegic?

Paraplegia and quadriplegia are two paralysis conditions caused by damages to the central nervous system. Paraplegia is the paralysis of the lower extremities of the body (below the waist) due to an injury to the spinal cord below the T1 level.

What is the plural of quadriplegic?

The plural form of quadriplegic is quadriplegics.