Imagine, after a sudden accident, someone is paralyzed from the neck down, unable to move or feel anything... Both arms, both legs, the entire body is paralyzed. This is a serious condition that we in medicine call Quadriplegia. Although this word can be very scary to hear, it can be very important for you and your loved ones to be properly informed about this. So, let's talk about this in detail, very simply.
Simply put, what is Quadriplegia?
Quadriplegia is a condition of paralysis. To be precise, it is the complete loss of control of the body from the neck down, that is, both arms and both legs. This condition is caused by damage to the spinal cord, the main pathway that carries messages from our brain to the rest of the body.
There is another name for this, which is Tetraplegia . Both of these names mean the same thing. Quadri means "four" in Latin, Tetra means "four" in Greek. Plegia means "paralysis". So even though there are two names, the condition is the same.
This condition of Quadriplegia can be seen in two main ways:
1. Complete Quadriplegia: This is when damage to the spinal cord completely stops the messages from the brain. It's like turning off the main switch in a house. Then, there is no movement, feeling, or control in the paralyzed parts.
2. Incomplete Quadriplegia: This is when the damage to the spinal cord does not completely stop the messages. Only some of the messages are interrupted. Like a loose wire in a main switch. This may cause some shaking of the limbs, some feeling, or some control over bowel and bladder function.
It is also divided into two types depending on how the paralyzed muscles function:
- Flaccid Quadriplegia: In this, the muscles become completely powerless, drooping and lifeless .
- Spastic Quadriplegia: In this condition, the muscles twitch and tighten uncontrollably. This means that the muscles contract automatically, even though they cannot control it as they should.
How does the effect vary depending on where the spinal cord is damaged?
The neck part of our spine is called the Cervical Spine (C-Spine). There are 7 vertebrae and 8 pairs of spinal nerves that come out of them. The effect on the patient varies greatly depending on the height of the injury. The higher up the spine the injury occurs, the more severe the effect.
| The location of the spinal cord injury | Possible impact |
|---|---|
| C1 to C2 | All four limbs become completely paralyzed. Even the muscles that control breathing become inactive. Therefore, death can occur if artificial ventilation is not provided immediately. Even the autonomic nervous system, such as sweating, blood pressure control, and bowel and bladder control, stops. |
| C3 to C4 | This is often the case. However, in cases of damage near C4, some breathing ability may be preserved. However, since the patient cannot even cough, the risk of developing infections such as pneumonia is high. |
| C4 to C8 | The degree of loss of function in the hands and fingers can vary. The lower the damage is in the spine, the greater the chance of preserving function in the hands. |
What are the main causes of quadriplegia?
The main reason for this is traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI). Even in our country, we hear about such things all the time.
- Car accidents: Especially not wearing seat belts, three-wheeler accidents, and accidents involving being thrown from a vehicle.
- Falls: Falling from a height, falling from a tree, slipping (especially in the elderly, who are at higher risk due to thinning bones).
- Violent acts: shootings, stabbings, severe assaults.
- Sports accidents: Accidents that occur during sports such as rugby, football, and diving.
In addition to these accidents, quadriplegia can also be caused by other medical conditions:
- Tumors that develop in or around the spine.
- Infections within the spine.
- Blockage of the blood vessels supplying the spinal cord.
- Complications at birth (e.g. Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida).
- Autoimmune diseases like Guillain-Barré Syndrome, Multiple Sclerosis, Transverse Myelitis.
What should you do if you suspect someone has had a back injury?
Very important: Do not shake, lift, or drag someone for any reason if you suspect they have suffered a back or neck injury. Doing so can turn a minor injury into a major, permanent disability.
This is what you need to do:
1. Call the 1990 ambulance service immediately.
2. Keep the patient still until trained medical personnel arrive.
3. Only if the patient is in an immediate danger of death, such as a fire, should they be moved to a safe position, very carefully, without bending their neck and back. But this should only be done if there is no other option.
Once you are brought to the hospital, the first thing doctors do is try to stop the damage from getting worse. This can include placing collars around the neck and immobilizing the patient on a special board. If necessary, immediate surgery may be needed to relieve pressure on the spine or set broken bones. All of this is determined by your doctor .
What can we do to prevent such a dire situation?
The main cause of quadriplegia is accidents, and following safety measures can greatly reduce this risk.
- Wear safety equipment: Wear a seat belt whenever you are in a vehicle. Wear a good helmet if you are riding a bicycle or motorcycle.
- Protect yourself from falls: Take steps to prevent slipping in the bathroom, especially if there are elderly people in the home. Install handrails. Use safety harnesses when working at heights.
- Be careful when jumping into the water: Do not jump into the water with your neck up in unfamiliar places or in shallow water. This can cause serious damage to the spine.
- Avoid drugs and alcohol: The risk of accidents is much higher when these are used.
What is Transient Quadriplegia?
Sometimes, especially in athletes, a spinal cord injury can cause temporary paralysis of the limbs. This is called ``Transient Quadriplegia''. At that time, the limbs become numb and numb, and the limbs become unable to move. This usually resolves within 10-15 minutes, but can sometimes take up to two days. If this happens, it is considered an emergency and it is imperative to immediately refer the patient to the Emergency Department (ETU) of a hospital.
Take-Home Message
- Quadriplegia is the loss of all four limbs due to damage to the cervical spine. This can be complete or incomplete.
- Never shake someone you suspect has suffered a back or neck injury. Call 1990 immediately and call an ambulance.
- Most of the accidents that cause this condition can be prevented. Seat belts, helmets, and protection from falls are very important.
- The chances of recovery, life expectancy, and treatment options depend entirely on the nature of the injury and where it occurred. Talk to your doctor for the most accurate information.
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