Quadriplegic Injury

Tripping on a wrinkled throw rug. Slipping on a patch of ice. Stumbling on a flight of steps, or driving to the grocery store. Receiving a quadriplegic injury can happen anywhere, at any time, at any level of activity. Nearly a quarter of a million Americans are now the victims of spinal cord injuries, and of them some 118,000 have experienced quadriplegic injury. Most of the people suffering from quadriplegic injury are men, and their average age is only 38 years. Their quadriplegic injuries mean that they have lost some or all of their function (ability to move or feel) in both their arms and legs. Quadriplegia, or as it is sometimes referred to, tetraplegia, because it affects all four limbs, will very from patient to patient depending on the nature, and location, of the spinal cord injury.

A victim of complete quadriplegia has lost all nerve function below the point of spinal cord injury, while a victim of in complete quadriplegia has some remaining nerve activity, and therefore some functionality. The degree of quadriplegia will be more severe when the spinal cord injury is higher on the spine. A spinal cord injury above the seventh cervical vertebra will cause a loss of function in the arms and legs, and one above the fifth cervical vertebra will begin to involve the torso so as well, affecting respiratory and organ function.

Quadriplegia can lead to pressure sores in victims who are confined to bed sore wheelchairs for extended periods; vein y thrombosis which can result in stroke or heart attack; and pneumonia or other diseases related to failing immune system function. Beyond its debilitating physical effects, however, a quadriplegic injury can destroy the emotional and financial well-being of not only its victim, but of its victim's family or loved ones.

A quadriplegic injury will require a lifetime of medical care, specialized medical equipment, and emotional support for the victim and his or her caretakers. The enormous costs associated with the immediate aftercare of a quadriplegic injury, and the even greater costs of long-term care, can mean financial disaster especially because many insurance policies place lifetime caps on the coverage of a quadriplegic injury.

A quadriplegic injury to someone you love can make you feel completely helpless and alone. The Catastrophic Injury Research Center website was created by people who understand exactly how you feel, and what to provide you with the information and support you need. The Catastrophic Injury Research Center has gathered the answers to all your questions concerning the nature and treatment of quadriplegic injury. They explain everything in layman's terms, and they also offer assistance in finding whatever legal or fund-raising assistance you might need to cope with the expenses associated with quadriplegic injury.

The most important thing to remember when quadriplegic injury is a reality in your life is that you when your loved one are not alone. There are people who are struggling with the very same issues, and can offer you the benefit of their struggles. So do not wait another minute to get the help which make the road ahead far less difficult. Visit the Catastrophic Injury Research Center today!