Paralysis: Paraplegia vs. Quadriplegia

Anytime someone suffers a spine injury, he or she must endure a life of motor function impairment. Paralysis impacts a person’s mobile function and ability to control his or her limbs. We explain two types of paralysis below.

Paraplegia vs. Quadriplegia

Do you know the differences between these two types of paralysis? Having this knowledge can help you understand what your rights and options are moving forward. Here are the main factors about the two types of paralysis you should know about and what you can expect if you suffer either of these types of injuries.

What is Paraplegia?

Paraplegia is a type of paralysis that impacts the injured person’s lower limbs. Typically, these spine injuries occur at the thoracic level and below. Paraplegia can cause the injured person to experience the inability to control his or her extremities beneath the point of the injury.

Individuals who suffer from paraplegia may also cause problems with abdominal muscles and his or her bowel and bladder control. Some other symptoms can also include low blood pressure, pain, and inability to control their body temperature.

What is Quadriplegia?

Someone with paraplegia may lose the ability to use his or her legs. Those with quadriplegia can lose the ability to use all four extremities. The injured person may lose his or her ability to control arms or legs, but it’s dependent on the severity of the injury.

People with paralysis may have complete or incomplete paralysis. If someone has an incomplete injury, the damage may impact just one side of the body. Incomplete paralysis may even begin to heal over time.

Someone with complete paralysis, though, will experience some of the worst symptoms. The injured party may lose full control over all four limbs, bladder and bowel control, abdominal muscles, and other bodily functions.

Our Virginia personal injury attorneys at Breit Biniazan stand prepared to help you through complex legal matters. We’ll determine what caused your paralysis, who is responsible, and what legal remedies may be available to you.