These extremely high injuries can result in either complete or incomplete
quadriplegia/tetraplegia, in which the voluntary movement and sensation in all
four limbs are compromised. While the patient is completely paralyzed, some
function may be retained depending upon the exact location of the injury.
Complete and Incomplete Spinal Cord Injuries
C-1 to C-4 injuries can be classified as either complete or incomplete
injuries. Complete injuries result in the total loss of movement and sensation
below the point of injury, while incomplete injuries indicate that some function
below the level of injury is retained.
Effects of C-1 to C-4 Spinal Cord Injuries
Patients with C-1 to C-4 spinal cord injuries generally use diaphragm
function and require a ventilator to breathe. Other complications may
include:
Bowel and bladder dysfunction
Sexual dysfunction
Difficulty regulating heart rate, blood pressure, sweating, and body
temperature
Spasticity
Neuropathic pain
Muscle atrophy
Osteoporosis
Gallbladder and renal stones
Treatment for C-1 to C-4 Spinal Cord Injuries
Immediate medical intervention following the injury will increase the
likelihood of the best possible long-term prognosis. In most cases, the acute
stage of injury is followed by extensive rehabilitation, which is designed to
help the survivor adapt both physically and mentally to his or her new
condition. While their lives will certainly be different than they were before
the injury, with the correct intervention and support, survivors with C-1 to C-4
injuries can go on to lead very fulfilling lives. In the meantime, scientists
continue to study treatments for spinal cord injury, designed to both reduce the
effect of the injury and promote the growth of functional nerve fibers.
没有评论:
发表评论