Because the damage done by MS can vary so much from one case to the next, it is hard to predict all of the symptoms it can cause. However, permanent paralysis is one such potential symptom. Whether MS lead to paraplegia or quadriplegia may depend on where scar tissues form and how long the condition goes undiagnosed and untreated. Tetraplegia Quadriplegia can be unpredictable and vary as time goes on.
Age at injury, overall prior health, complications commonly associated with quadriplegia, and the quality of care immediately after the injury can all have a major effect on the outcome. The prognosis a doctor gives may need to be adjusted, as there are many factors that can cause the condition to worsen or improve. In general, the following tetraplegics may experience one or more of the following symptoms:. Chronic pain can develop due to muscle atrophy, increased muscle tone called spasticity, nerve damage from the injury that causes sensory changes that could be painful from disuse or changes in sensory perception.
Loss of sensation below the site of the injury. For some tetraplegics, this sensation loss is complete and permanent. Inability to move the limbs below the site of the injury. Though some movement may return, the overwhelming majority of quadriplegics continue to struggle with loss of muscle control and generalized weakness. Any injury to the central nervous system a brain or spinal cord injury can result in increased muscle tone known as spasticity.
This can make moving parts of the body even harder due to increased muscle tone. There are a variety of diagnostic tests that a doctor may conduct to verify a case of paraplegia or tetraplegia. The specific examinations used may vary from one case to the next depending on the suspected cause of the condition, though additional tests may be used to check for other issues.
Generally speaking, a tetraplegia or paraplegia diagnosis begins with a general review of the patient's symptoms , comprehensive physical exam focusing on muscle strength, sensation exam and reflexes, and general health. An extensive examination to determine specifics about a spinal cord injury is called the "International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury", previously known as the "ASIA" exam and this information can give the doctor a rough idea of which specific follow-up procedures, imaging and examinations they should conduct to get a more specific prognosis.
Most of the time, a case of tetraplegia or paraplegia will have a set cause that a doctor can readily determine. So, differential diagnoses lists of alternative conditions that could be causing the same symptoms are generally considered a non-factor. So much so that, for quadriplegia, Physiopedia states that "There is no differential diagnosis, the ASIA classification excludes other disorders. After a basic physical, a doctor may use several diagnostic procedures to learn more about a paraplegic or tetraplegic's condition:.
There are no current treatments for spinal cord injuries, however there are many promising research studies focusing on this subject.
However, some tetraplegics do experience significant improvements in their tetraplegia symptoms with the right therapy. Some therapy options include:. Physical therapy is frequently used to help paralysis patients not only build muscle mass and fight atrophy, but to re-learn how to control their bodies after a paralyzing injury. Activity-based therapy centers offer a broad range of exercises and activities for paraplegics and quadriplegics to help them live a healthier lifestyle. Paraplegics often engage in various forms of exercise, such as water aerobics, lifting weights, and more to improve circulation and prevent muscle atrophy.
To treat psychological conditions such as chronic depression that may affect a tetraplegic following their injury or illness, they may seek psychotherapy treatment. A therapist might recommend medications or group therapy sessions to help their patients adjust to their new lifestyle. Spinal cord injury support groups can help tetraplegics quadriplegics , paraplegics, and others learn how to cope with life after paralysis.
Research suggests, for example, that the brain can compensate for even extensive injuries in some areas, but that recovery from injuries in other areas is virtually impossible. Since there is still so much about the brain and spinal cord that we do not yet know, it can be difficult to give an accurate prognosis to quadriplegics. A thorough exam by a physician can assist with general prognosis based on severity and level of injury, however each patient and each case is unique.
Some functions and sensations may return once swelling at the injury has receded. Quadriplegia, also known as tetraplegia, is when people cannot feel or move their arms and legs due to a spinal cord injury. Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view.
It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs. What is the difference between paraplegia and quadriplegia? ICF Case Studies. Contact SiteMap Search. Spinal cord injuries: Practice essentials, background, anatomy, pathophysiology, etiology, epidemiology, prognosis, patient education.
Accessed March Saunders, Ranidu is passionate about writing articles on medical topics in general parlance. His experience in communicating with the general public during his medical practice has enabled him to describe facts that a layman has to know about a particular disorder in a concise and understandable manner.
Your email address will not be published. Figure A Spastic Hand. Leave a Reply Cancel reply Your email address will not be published. Paraplegia vs Quadriplegia vs Hemiplegia. Root Cause. Paraplegia is due to an injury which affects the spinal cord below T1 level. In quadriplegia cervical spinal segments are damaged.
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