What is Quadriplegia?
Quadriplegia is paralysis or inability to move all four limbs (arms and legs) as well as the patient’s torso. Quadriplegia also affects the person’s ability to feel his or her extremities.
What Causes Quadriplegia?
Quadriplegia is commonly caused by injury or trauma to the spinal cord as a result of a serious accident such a motor vehicle crash, a traumatic fall, or other type of traumatic injury. Quadriplegia can also be caused by other things as well, including stroke or other medical conditions such as cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis or Lou-Gehrig’s disease (ALS).
Quadriplegia occurs when the neck area of the spinal cord is injured. The severity of the injury and the location of the injury within the neck determine the amount of functionality and feeling that a person will maintain.
A major spinal cord injury may interfere with breathing as well as impairment of the ability to move the person’s arms or legs. Those individuals require ventilator assistance with their breathing.
After an accident, injury, fall or other traumatic event, a person can become paralyzed and unable to move certain parts of their body. If the affected parts are all four limbs, this is known as quadriplegia. If you, or if someone you love, has been diagnosed with quadriplegia, contact the attorneys at Brown Trial Firm, PLLC
How Can Quadriplegia Occur?
Quadriplegia is caused by an interruption of the functional of the cervical spine which can have very different results depending on the area that is injured. This can range from requiring assisted breathing with a ventilator with no independent motion to some independent motion that requires the support of technology and aid for life’s common activities. Bowel and bladder care may be required as well as feeding care. Some patients may be able to control a wheelchair, others may not.
Leading Causes of Quadriplegia in Texas
Quadriplegia can result from any of the following traumatic incidents, including:
• Motor Vehicle Accidents
• Falls
• Sports Injury
• Gunshot
• Workplace Accidents
• Violent Incidents
In any one of the above, the spinal column may be injured and, again, depending on where the injury occurs quadriplegia can result.
Living with Quadriplegia
Quadriplegia is, sadly, irreversible. Once the cervical spine is injured, it does not recover. Some patients may make improvements in their mobility, but generally, quadriplegia is a permanent condition that requires extensive and expensive medical treatment and support and rehabilitation therapies.
For the patient, especially someone injured due to the actions of another as in a motor vehicle accident, pursuing their legal rights and remedies may be the only way to obtain adequate compensation. Facing a life-changing and devastating injury that may result in the patient being unable to work and provide for his or her family is hard enough. Let Brown Trial Firm, PLLC help you determine what financial compensation you may be entitled to receive. We offer a free consultation to learn about your case and to explain you legal rights. We can be reached at (866) 393-2611.