Moving Forward After a Quadriplegia Diagnosis

Quadriplegic vs Paraplegic

Quadriplegic is paralysis caused by illness or injury. Quadriplegia results in the partial or total loss of use of all four limbs and torso. It’s important to understand quadriplegic vs paraplegic. Individuals who are quadriplegic are paralyzed in both their arms and their legs. In contrast, paraplegic individuals have paralysis in the lower half of the body and both legs.

There are different injury levels for quadriplegia. When C1-C3 vertebrae are affected, the result is limited neck movement, with the patient requiring around-the-clock care with everyday tasks. These patients are also fully dependent on a ventilator. In contrast, patients with affected C7-C8 vertebrae maintain significant movement depending on the individual’s strength and flexibility. Learn more about quadriplegia and mobility.

A spinal cord injury is the primary cause of quadriplegia. Some of the leading causes of spinal cord injury are car accidents, work injuries, sports injuries or acts of violence. Discover more information on living with a spinal cord injury and quadriplegic care.

Spinal Cord Injury and Spastic Quadriplegic Patients

Patients living as a spastic quadriplegic with spinal cord injury may benefit from power mobility. Quantum disability advocate Kiel Eigen was injured as a teenager during a football game. His injury left him paralyzed. To help retain his independence, Kiel uses his Edge 3 Motorized Wheelchair. The Edge 3 comes standard with front and rear LED fender lights, allowing Kiel to see and be seen. Kiel operates his power chair using Q-Logic 3 Advanced Drive Controls, which is standard with Bluetooth® technology. In addition, Kiel benefits from iLevel® technology on his Edge 3 Motorized Wheelchair. Kiel can drive at 4.5 mph while elevated up to 12 inches. iLevel’s Extra Stability Technology allows Kiel to safely complete transfers and reach for items that he can’t normally reach in a non-elevated position. Read Kiel’s journey.

Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is another cause of quadriplegia. Cerebral palsy is a chronic condition that affects muscle coordination and body movements. Some of the symptoms include spasticity or muscle spasms, involuntary movements, disturbance in gait and mobility and more. Individuals living with quadriplegic cerebral palsy may benefit from a power wheelchair, depending on the severity of their condition. Patients with quadriplegic cerebral palsy may require power positioning, so it’s important to choose a power wheelchair base that is compatible with an array of positioning systems. The Edge 3 Power Wheelchair is compatible with TRU-Balance 3 Power Positioning Systems, which is available with power tilt, power recline, power title and recline, manual recline or static seating.

Born with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy, Quantum consumer advocate Alison Chancellor relies on her Quantum Power Wheelchair for mobility. With iLevel® Power Adjustable Seat Height, Alison can elevate her power chair up to 12 inches, so she is clearly visible while maneuvering through crowds or crossing streets or parking lots. Despite her condition of spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy, Alison lives a very active life, including attending hockey games to cheer on her beloved St. Louis Blues.