Quadriplegia (patient information): Difference between revisions
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==How to know you have quadriplegia?== | ==How to know you have quadriplegia?== | ||
:*Medical history and [[physical examination]] | |||
:*[[Neurologic test]]s: Doctor may learn what area of your spinal cord is injured by this test. | |||
:*Spine [[x-rays]]: X-rays help doctors see the structure of your spine and detect the part of the spine that is damaged. | |||
:*Neck and spine [[CT]] scan: CT is a special x-ray machine that uses a computer to take pictures. CT scan can tell more detailed information on the areas that might be injured than general x-ray. | |||
:*Spine or head [[MRI]] ([[magnetic resonance imaging]]): An MRI uses magnetic fields but it is a different type of image than what is produced by computed tomography (CT) and produces detailed images of the body. The test can show structure not only in [[spine]], [[spinal cord]], but also in muscles. | |||
==When to seek urgent medical care?== | ==When to seek urgent medical care?== | ||
Revision as of 14:07, 30 March 2010
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What is quadriplegia?
How do I know if I have quadriplegia and what are the symptoms of quadriplegia?
The symptoms of quadriplegia depends on the severity of the injury and the place it occurred. In general, injuries that are higher in your spinal cord produce more paralysis. Patients may experience one or more of the following signs or symptoms:
- Difficult in moving the limbs
- Unable to feel anything below the damaged area, or pain in the arms, legs, back, and other areas
- Loss of control on bladder and bowel control
- Difficult in breathing, or unable to breathe without help.
Who is at risk for quadriplegia?
- Spinal cord injury
- Tumor affected spinal cord
- Stroke
- Cerebral palsy
How to know you have quadriplegia?
- Medical history and physical examination
- Neurologic tests: Doctor may learn what area of your spinal cord is injured by this test.
- Spine x-rays: X-rays help doctors see the structure of your spine and detect the part of the spine that is damaged.
- Neck and spine CT scan: CT is a special x-ray machine that uses a computer to take pictures. CT scan can tell more detailed information on the areas that might be injured than general x-ray.
- Spine or head MRI (magnetic resonance imaging): An MRI uses magnetic fields but it is a different type of image than what is produced by computed tomography (CT) and produces detailed images of the body. The test can show structure not only in spine, spinal cord, but also in muscles.
When to seek urgent medical care?
Treatment options
Similar symptoms
Where to find medical care for quadriplegia?
Directions to Hospitals Treating quadriplegia
Prevention of quadriplegia
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
Copyleft Sources
http://www.brainandspinalcord.org/spinal-cord-injury-types/quadriplegia/index.html
http://www.drugs.com/cg/quadriplegia.html