Quadriplegia – causes, side effects and treatments at NaturalPedia.com

Friday, June 15, 2018 by Zoey Sky

A patient with quadriplegia is paralyzed from the neck down. Quadriplegia affects an individual’s arm, legs, and trunk.

Quadriplegia is usually caused by an injury to the spinal cord.

The spinal cord contains the nerves that send messages of movement and sensation from the brain to the various parts of the body. Quadriplegia often occurs from a spinal cord injury to the neck at cervical spinal nerve 5 (C5) to C7.

In a patient with the condition, the spinal cord is unable to transmit messages below the damaged area. Quadriplegia results in the loss of mobility in the arms and legs. An individual with the condition may have trouble breathing and controlling their bowel and bladder.

However, in some cases, patients can regain slight movement with the help of intensive rehabilitation.

Quadriplegia is also called tetraplegia.

Known side effects of quadriplegia

The side effects of quadriplegia usually include:

Bowel and bladder incontinence
Burning neuropathic pain
Difficulty breathing
Impaired digestion
Numbness and decreased sensation
Sexual dysfunction

Body systems harmed by quadriplegia

Quadriplegia may cause the following complications.

Blood clots and pain.
A growth in pressure sores – This can cause other serious conditions and even death.
Immediate bronchitis obstruction – May occur if patients are unable to cough.
Impaired digestion and loss of bladder and bowel control.
Lung infection – The portion of the lungs which are not ventilated may get infected.
Osteomas – Abnormal bony outgrowths.
Paralysis of the abdominal muscles.
Respiratory problems – Patients with the condition may have trouble breathing properly.

Food items or nutrients that may prevent quadriplegia

The following foods or nutrients can help prevent quadriplegia and strengthen weak legs.

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) – ACV is full of minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium. It also contains B vitamins and acetic acid that helps the body absorb essential minerals from the foods you eat.
Blackstrap molasses – Blackstrap molasses contain B vitamins, calcium, iron, and potassium.
Horsetail – Horsetail can help strengthen weak legs because it has a high silica content that can boost muscle strength, help muscles contract, and improve bone density. It also helps the body absorb and use calcium.
Milk – Milk is full of calcium, protein, and other nutrients that can strengthen the muscles.
Water – Dehydration is one of the main causes of leg weakness and muscle cramps. Staying hydrated can help prevent weakness in the legs. Aside from drinking enough water, consume more water-based fruits and vegetables to keep the body hydrated.

Treatments, management plans for quadriplegia

While treatment for quadriplegia can’t treat the condition, it gives patients a chance to live a more normal life.

Treatments include:

Functional neuromuscular stimulation (FNS) – FNS is a kind of rehabilitation for quadriplegics where the individual’s muscles are stimulated with electrodes. Patients are also required to take part in optimal workouts. FNS is a form of passive physical therapy that helps circulation by retaining the proper muscle tone. It also helps stimulate the intact peripheral nerves so the paralyzed muscles can contract.
Robotic tech treatments – Robotic tech treatments can help patients live somewhat normal lives via the use of robotic arms and legs.
Trauma care and surgery – This involves the immediate treatment needed for patients with spinal cord injury.

Where to learn more

Summary

A patient with quadriplegia is paralyzed from the neck down. Quadriplegia affects an individual’s arm, legs, and trunk.

The side effects of quadriplegia usually include bowel and bladder incontinence, burning neuropathic pain, difficulty breathing, and impaired digestion.

Quadriplegia may cause complications like blood clots and pain, pressure sores, and osteomas.

Apple cider vinegar (ACV), blackstrap molasses, horsetail, milk, and water can help prevent quadriplegia and strengthen weak legs.

While treatment options for quadriplegia can’t fully address the condition, it gives patients a chance to live a more normal life. Some options include functional neuromuscular stimulation (FNS), robotic tech treatments, and trauma care and surgery.

Sources include:

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