Quadriplegia
Quadriplegia is a loss of the ability to
move and/or feel both arms, both legs, and the parts of the body below the
area of injury to the spinal cord, which is what causes the condition to
occur. In addition to the arms and legs being paralyzed, the abdominal and
chest muscles will also be affected resulting in weakened breathing and the
inability to properly cough and clear the chest. Quadriplegia is often
caused by an injury to the spinal cord, such as those resulting from a
motor vehicle accident, gunshot wounds, and falls.
Following emergent and surgical care to
stabilize the neck to prevent further injury to the spinal cord the patient
has a long road ahead. Following discharge from the hospital
most people suffering from quadriplegia will need the services of
specialists in the field of orthopedics, pulmonology, infectious disease,
urology, podiatry, gastroenterology, cardiology, endocrinology, psychiatry,
and nutrition.
Ongoing therapy from physical therapists and
occupational therapists is required to maximize function and to prevent
contractures. Durable medical equipment is needed. The includes a power
wheelchair with reclining back, manual ultra-light wheelchair, sliding
board for transfers, bath seat, shower/commode chair, air mattress,
adaptive ADL equipment, voice activated telephone system, electric hospital
bed, hydraulic lift or East Pivot transfer machine, quad-adaptive home
exercise equipment, recumbent bike, as well as other equipment. The home
should be modified to allow for wheelchair access to the rooms and the
shower. A converted van for transportation is necessary.
The patient will have to undergo repeated
diagnostic testing including cardiac scans, ventilation/perfusion scans,
bone density scans, chest x-rays, renal scans and renal ultrasounds,
urodynamics, cystometrograms, blood chemistries, urinalysis, urine sputum,
blood cultures and doppler studies.
Quadriplegia will often require
hospitalization for treatment of decubitus ulcers, removal of bladder or
renal stones, acute illnesses related to pyelonephritis, bronchopneumonia,
severe ostipation, and for treatment for falls, osteoporosis and pathologic
fractures.
Twenty-four hour care is mandatory.
Depending on the patient's medical condition the care will usually involve a
certified home health attendant or a licensed vocational nurse with regular
check-ups by a registered nurse.
The cost of properly caring for a person
suffering from quadriplegia is extensive, but the rewards in improving the
quality of life and prolonging the life expectancy is well worth the
expense.
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