Paralysis Attorneys in Phoenix, Arizona

What is Quadriplegia and Paraplegia?

Paralysis is a large umbrella term that is used to describe the partial or complete loss of control in the voluntary movement of a muscle due to an injury or disease. Two main types of paralysis are quadriplegia and paraplegia. Quadriplegia is paralysis from approximately the shoulders down; on the other hand, paraplegia is paralysis from the lower limbs, depending on the level of the spinal cord injury. Most spinal cord injuries result in loss of sensation and function below the level of injury; this also includes loss of bladder and bowel control.

Quadriplegia and Paraplegia Symptoms

Quadriplegia Symptoms:

Loss of voluntary muscle control to all four limbs (upper and lower)
Loss of sensation in all four limbs
Torso impairment
Loss of bowel and bladder control
Loss or impairment of consortium
Loss or impaired digestion and breathing

Paraplegia Symptoms:

Loss of voluntary muscle control in the two lower limbs
Loss of sensation in the lower two limbs
Tingling in the legs, feet, and toes
Sexual dysfunction
Loss of bowel and bladder control
Trunk affected depending on the injury level

Causes of Quadriplegia and Paraplegia

Broken neck
Broken back
Neck Fracture
Stroke
Spinal cord injury
Infection
Genetic disorder
Tumors
Congenital disorder

The following are usually some of the causative factors:

How Paralysis May Affect Daily Life

Quadriplegia and paraplegia both have paralysis of the lower limbs. However, quadriplegia includes paralysis of the upper limbs and most of the entire torso depending on the level of the injury. The following are spinal nerve injury levels associated with degree of paralysis:

C1-C3: No function below head; ventilator is required to live; quadriplegic
C4-C5: Respiration occurs; quadriplegic
C6-C8: Loss of some degree of upper limb function; may be able to self-feed and self-propel wheelchair
T1-T9: Degree of trunk function control correlates with height of lesion; paraplegic
T10-L1: Some muscle function in the thighs; may be able to use long leg braces to walk
L2-L3: Has most of leg muscle function; may be able to use short leg braces to walk

Paralysis Treatment

For early stages of quadriplegia and paraplegia, the initial treatment will help the patient maintain the ability to breathe, immobilize the neck, and keep the patient from entering shock. Metal braces may be used to stabilize the neck, and medications may be given for pain and inflammation. Most likely, surgery will be necessary in order to remove bone fragments, foreign objects, herniated discs, or fractured vertebrae that appear to be compressing the spine. Once the injury stabilizes, the physicians will focus their attention on preventing secondary problems such as:

Muscle contractures
Pressure ulcers
Blood clots
Bladder and bowel concerns
Respiratory infections

Rehabilitation will be paramount in making the best recovery possible. In either case of paraplegia or quadriplegia, the individual will need to work extensively with physical therapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, physicians, and other members of the different rehabilitation teams. Therapists will emphasize maintaining and strengthening existing muscle functions, redeveloping fine motor skills, and learning adaptive techniques to accomplish daily tasks. The individual will also work on rebuilding the quality of their life.

Contact Us

If you or a loved one has experienced some form of paralysis, please contact our Paralysis Attorneys for a free, personal, and confidential consultation. You can contact the Law Offices of Michael Cordova at 602-265-6700.

Our attorneys not only work on paralysis cases but in other personal injury areas, as well as criminal defense and DUI, dog bites, motorcycle accidents, wrongful death, and product and premises liability, so please contact your local Phoenix attorneys for a free consultation.

*Contingent fees are charged on total recovery. **No Fee Guarantee applies in the event there is no recovery.