Imagine being in such a state that you cannot move your arms or legs. No longer can you hug your child or hold your spouse’s hand. Having the ability to take a walk in the park or ride your bike is something that has been taken away from you. Welcome to the life of a quadriplegic.
Quadriplegia is a paralysis of both the arms and legs and is also referred to as tetraplegia. It is most commonly caused by a spinal cord injury in the neck area, which can result from a Houston car accident, Texas construction accident or other unfortunate event. A spinal cord injury can interfere with the messages sent to and from the brain, leading to sensation impairment and immobility.
A patient who has complete quadriplegia will not be able to move any part of the body below the neck. In some cases, patients can move their arms, but are not able to control their hand movements, making it extremely difficult to grasp objects.
Quadriplegics have other issues to contend with, in addition to immobility and sensation loss, as they become at risk of suffering from serious complications. Due to the fact that the spinal cord nerves control the function of the bladder and bowels, patients with quadriplegia experience problems in this area. Urinary tract infections are unfortunately common, which can be deadly, if not treated.
Pressure sores, also referred to as bedsores, are another complication associated with quadriplegia. When someone is immobile for prolonged periods of time, pressure from the weight of the body can cause the skin to develop sores. Those suffering from quadriplegia are at a high risk of these sores, because they cannot shift their own body weight. Bedsores can be fatal.
If you or someone you loved has been seriously injured in a Texas car accident or work accident, you need to contact a Houston accident attorney at the law firm of Steven M. Lee, PC at 713-921-4171 or Toll Free 800-232-3711. We will be able to review your case and go over your legal options.
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Steven M. Lee, PC
5823 Gulf Freeway
Suite 300
Houston, TX 77023
Phone: 713-921-4171
Toll Free: 800-232-3711