How to Treat Quadriplegia

Quadriplegia is permanent paralysis caused by a severe spinal cord injury. It affects the trunk of your body, as well as your arms and legs. Although this type of injury cannot be reversed, treatment started during the early stages of this condition could reduce some degree of damage. Treatment will continue, as doctors work to address the effects of quadriplegia on your body.

Things You'll Need

• Time
• Rehabilitation
• Counseling
• Support from family and friends
• Courage

Instructions

Treating Quadriplegia

1. Surgery may have to be performed, if doctors deem it necessary. They want to do as much as possible to get your spine stabilized and to help avert any added pain or complications. Emergency surgery may be required to accomplish this.

2. One of the first things doctors will do at the beginning of a serious spinal cord injury is to immobilize you immediately. This involves them putting metal pieces or braces into your head or skull region that are connected to a harness. The purpose is to get your spine aligned properly. This may lead to additional difficulties later, such as bedsores, blood clots and the like, so careful monitoring will need to be done and hospitalization may be required for some time.

3. Doctors are likely to administer the corticosteroid drug Methylprednisolone, if you are treated within an eight-hour period of your injury. It could help with controlling inflammation and some nerve damage. Later on, after your condition has become more stable, additional medications will be prescribed for pain, infection, impotence and more, as determined by your doctor.

4. Work with your therapists to help you with rehabilitation. Realize that it will be a long, very difficult process, but their goal is to aid you in adjusting to your condition and to teach you how to be as independent as possible. This will involve having you do exercises that build strength and increase mobility. You can also be shown how to use adaptive devices, technological equipment and the like.

5. You will need help for dealing with the psychological effects of quadriplegia. The impact on you and your family can be overwhelming and it will take counseling to learn how to deal with issues, such as anger, grief, depression, etc. You can talk to a licensed counselor and also get involved with a support group for people who have suffered spinal cord injuries.