Tetraplegia is one of the most severe injuries a person can sustain in a personal injury accident. If you suspect you or a loved one has tetraplegia because of a car accident or other recent accident, you should seek immediate medical attention. Then, learn everything you can about this condition and consult with an experienced spinal cord injury lawyer to learn your legal options for recovering compensation to pay for the medical treatment you will need.
The Definition of Tetraplegia
Tetraplegia is a form of paralysis that affects all of the limbs including the arms, legs, trunk, and pelvic organs. This condition is also referred to as quadriplegia. It is considered the most serious form of paralysis. The severity of the condition depends on various factors, such as the location of the injury, its completeness, and the effectiveness of medical treatment.
Common Causes of Tetraplegia
According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries. In 2021, 2,956 people suffered spinal cord injuries in vehicular accidents, accounting for 38.09% of all SCI cases that year. This breaks down into the following percentages:
- Auto (cars, jeeps, trucks, dune buggies, and buses) – 25.18%
- Motorcycles – 6.91%
- Bicycles – 3.32%
- All-terrain vehicles – 1.58%
- Aircraft – 0.23%
- Snowmobile – 0.22%
- Boat – 0.12%
- Other vehicular accidents – 0.53%
Other leading causes of spinal cord injuries in 2021 include:
- Falls – 2,423; 31.22%
- Acts of violence – 1,404; 14.22%
- Sports and recreational activities – 661; 8.52%
- Other causes – 617; 7.95%
Symptoms of Tetraplegia
Individuals who have sustained an injury leading to quadriplegia may suffer the following symptoms:
Loss of Movement
People with quadriplegia are unable to move the limbs below the site of injury. Accident victims may not have muscle control and may suffer generalized weakness.
Loss of Sensation
People with quadriplegia do not experience sensation below the site of the injury. In some situations, the sensation loss is complete and permanent, but in others, it is incomplete. In those situations, sensations are reduced, but the victim may occasionally feel sensations like pins and needles.
Spasticity
Spasticity is increased muscle tone that makes moving body parts more difficult.
Chronic Pain
Chronic pain can develop from spasticity, muscle atrophy, or nerve damage.
Seek medical attention immediately if you or your loved one is experiencing these symptoms.
Diagnosing Tetraplegia
Doctors can use various tools to diagnose tetraplegia. They typically begin with a physical review and discuss the patient’s symptoms. They may test muscle strength, sensation, and reflexes. Doctors may also use the International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury. This comprehensive exam provides information about the extent of the spinal cord injury and the specific procedures, imaging tests, and examinations doctors should conduct to arrive at an accurate diagnosis.
Various diagnostic tools doctors may use can include:
- MRI scans
- Blood tests
- Spinal taps
- Electromyography tests
Medical Treatment for Tetraplegia
Various factors can affect a patient’s prognosis, including their overall health, age, quality of healthcare they received immediately after the accident, and complications they suffer. Medical treatment focuses on stabilizing the condition, easing symptoms, improving long-term prognosis, and helping the victim learn how to work around the injury. While tetraplegia generally cannot be cured, possible medical treatments may include:
- Surgery to remove foreign bodies from the spinal columns or relieve pressure from the spinal cord
- Exercise therapy to prevent muscle atrophy and improve circulation
- Physical therapy to build muscle mass and stave off atrophy
- Mental health counseling to deal with the emotional effects caused by the injury
Through a personal injury claim, you can seek compensation to help cover these expenses. An experienced lawyer can gather your medical records, document your injuries, and prepare a demand letter to seek fair compensation.
Complications of Tetraplegia
Spinal cord injuries can have a significant impact on accident victims, altering every aspect of their lives. Some common complications of tetraplegia include:
- Respiratory problems
- Lack of bowel and bladder control
- Pressure sores
- Sexual dysfunction
- Lack of spatial awareness
- Uncontrolled weight gain
- Anxiety and depression
The personal injury attorneys at Caruso Law Offices want to help ease your recovery and fight for the justice and accountability you deserve.
Contact Our Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you suffered a spinal cord injury because of someone else’s negligence, we can help. We can investigate the accident, identify all at-fault parties, and aggressively pursue the compensation you need to pay medical bills, make up for lost income, and acknowledge the tremendous pain and suffering your family has endured. Contact Caruso Law Offices for a free and confidential consultation.