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Quadriplegia

Quadriplegia (tetraplegia) is a complication of a neck injury or disease that severs the spinal cord. All parts of the human body are capable of healing and repairing damage, except the central nervous system, which comprises the brain and spinal cord. The spinal cord runs from the base of the brain, down through the vertebrae that form the backbone, and ends just below the waist. Nerves run out from it to the muscles, skin and other tissues, with one bundle of nerves emerging from between each of the twenty four vertebrae. If the spinal cord is cut by a broken neck or other injury or disease, it is impossible for nerve signals to pass backwards and forwards from the brain to the body and paralysis occurs below the level of the injury. Involuntary muscles which control the internal organs such as the gut and heart movements, are supplied by a different set of nerves, and are not affected by spinal injury.

Patients cannot feel heat or cold, hard or soft, sharp or dull, or any other sensation below the level of the injury. There is no control of muscles, so patients cannot walk, move their arms or control their bowels or bladder. Pressure sores may develop on the skin, and lung and urinary infections occur from immobility.

The cause is diagnosed by x-rays, CT and MRI scans, and electrical tests on nerves and muscles. The only help that can be offered is rehabilitation so patients can cope with their disability, as there is no cure. Life span is often slightly shortened by lung complications.