Recovery from spinal cord injury depends on the location (level) and degree of damage. The higher the level of injury, the greater the physical impairment and need for rehabilitation. Injury at the level of the chest or below causes weakness or paralysis of the legs (paraplegia). Injury at the level of the neck causes weakness or paralysis of all 4 limbs (quadriplegia). If the level of injury is very high in the neck, the muscles that control breathing may be paralyzed, and a ventilator may be needed to assist breathing. Also, sensation is impaired below the level of injury, and bladder and bowel control is usually lost.
The two most important aspects of caring for people with quadriplegia or paraplegia are the following:
Preventing pressure sores: To prevent pressure sores, people move or are turned frequently, and a special bed or bedding material is used. When people are seated in a wheelchair, a special cushion that contains water, air, or gel is used to reduce pressure on areas where sores tend to form.
Maintaining joint mobility (range of motion): To maintain joint mobility and prevent spasticity, the person or a caregiver must frequently move joints through their range of motion. Heat, massage, and certain medications may also be used.
Measures are also taken to prevent muscles from shortening (contractures).
People with paraplegia can live independently. Range-of-motion and strengthening exercises of the arms and hands enable them to use a wheelchair and to transfer from bed to a wheelchair and from a wheelchair to a toilet or a car seat. They can do many activities of daily living on their own, and many return to work. Some people with paraplegia can drive a car with the help of assistive devices.
People with quadriplegia can use a motorized wheelchair to move independently, but they must be lifted into the wheelchair manually or mechanically. Some people with quadriplegia can move their hands or fingers slightly and thus can operate the motorized wheelchair with a hand switch. If the hands and arms are completely paralyzed, people can use a special device that enables them to control the motorized wheelchair with chin movements or even their breath. However, this method requires very intensive training. Most people with quadriplegia need support 24 hours a day.
More Information
The following English-language resource may be useful. Please note that THE MANUAL is not responsible for the content of this resource.
The National Spinal Cord Injury Association (NSCIA): Provides a products and services guide with information on providers and organizations that specialize in tools used to support people with a spinal cord injury or disease
