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 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
After a physically traumatizing event, the following symptoms may indicate tetraplegia or other spinal cord injury:
- Chronic pain
- Loss of movement
- Loss of sensation
- Spasticity
Seek medical attention immediately if you or your loved one is experiencing these symptoms.
Diagnosing Tetraplegia
Doctors are usually able to diagnose tetraplegia by using various diagnostic tools such as:
- Reviewing patient symptoms
- Comprehensive physical exam focusing on sensation, reflexes, and muscle strength
- MRI scans
- Blood tests
- Spinal taps
- Electromyography tests
Medical Treatment for Tetraplegia
Tetraplegia generally cannot be cured. Medical treatment focuses on stabilizing the condition, easing symptoms, improving long-term prognosis, and helping the victim learn how to work around the injury. Possible medical treatments may include:
- Surgery
- Exercise therapy
- Physical therapy
- Psychotherapy
- Education and support
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.