• News
  • Health
    • Injury
    • Trauma

Can Quadriplegics Breathe On Their Own?

8.2KShares
164.8KViews

You might have heard about quadriplegia, the paralysis of all four limbs. This disease is quite severe, and living with it is quite difficult. And the most adverse effect of this disease is on breathing so can quadriplegics breathe on their own or not?

Let's learn first about quadriplegia.

Quadriplegia

Quadriplegia is the medical term for paralysis affecting the trunk, legs, and arms from the neck down. The disorder is frequently brought on by damage to the spinal cord, which houses the nerves that carry commands for movement and feeling from the brain to various parts of the body.

A quadriplegic patient with a breathing device on hospital bed
A quadriplegic patient with a breathing device on hospital bed

COPYRIGHT_SPINE: Published on https://spinal-injury.net/can-quadriplegics-breathe-on-their-own/ by Dr. Bill Butcher on 2022-09-28T04:10:07.484Z

Now, back to the main question: can quadriplegics breathe on their own?

Breathing And Quadriplegia

Most people's breathing comes naturally to them. Despite being crucial to your survival, you rarely give it much thought.

The respiratory muscles, however, are paralyzed in people with quadriplegia, making it impossible for them to breathe on their own without the aid of a machine.

The paralysis of all four limbs or the complete body below the neck is referred to as quadriplegia (or tetraplegia). Most of the time, it is caused by a spinal cord injury (SCI) in the C1-C7 vertebrae, which are part of the cervical spine.

Over 200,000 people in the United States alone are currently living with a spinal cord injury, with 46% sustaining the injury as a result of a car accident.

All respiratory muscles are paralyzed in people with SCIs C-4 and higher because the nerves that regulate those muscles are situated in the upper neck.

People who have suffered injuries to this region of the spine could need breathing support, which is typically given right away by a mechanical ventilator.

The requirement for breathing assistance is one of the main problems that quadriplegics face. Most injuries below the C5 vertebrae don't make it hard to breathe, but injuries to the C4 vertebrae often require help with breathing.

The ability to breathe on one's own is impossible for those who have C1 or C2 injuries. Positive pressure ventilation has typically been used by mechanical ventilators to do this, but other options are also available.

There are some other concerns regarding quadriplegics.

Can Quadriplegics Walk Again?

Fortunately, many SCI survivors (including quadriplegics) can do so. Because the spinal cord has the ability to restructure itself and produce adaptive changes known as neuroplasticity, it is possible to walk again after SCI.

Can Quadriplegics Feel Pain?

Although quadriplegics may not feel exterior sensations, they may experience pain in their arms, legs, back, and other places that do not respond to external stimuli. Pain drugs recommended by their doctor can help them feel better.

Lung Strengthening - Exercises | Quadriplegic (C5,C6,C7)

Can Quadriplegics Poop?

Yes, they can, but quadriplegia causes some other gastrointestinal issues. You may experience difficulties transporting waste through your colon (or large intestine). You may have to pass a stool when you don't want to, or the stool may be difficult to pass. These issues might cause abdominal pain.

People Also Ask

How Do Quadriplegic People Breathe?

A special pacemaker is used to imitate the nerves of the diaphragm. This lets the quadriplegia patient breathe without a ventilator.

Do Quadriplegics Have To Be On A Ventilator?

One of the most pressing difficulties for those with quadriplegia is the requirement for breathing assistance so they need to be on a ventilator.

How Does Quadriplegia Affect The Respiratory System?

Those suffering from quadriplegia have paralyzed respiratory muscles, rendering them unable to breathe on their own without medical aid.

Conclusion

The most precise answer to the question can quadriplegics breathe on their own is "No". They need special assistance, it could be some devices specially designed for them or they need to be on a ventilator.

Share: Twitter | Facebook | Linkedin

About The Authors

Dr. Bill Butcher

Dr. Bill Butcher - With more than two decades of experience, Dr. Bill Butcher aims to provide a repository for educational materials, sources of information, details of forthcoming events, and original articles related to the medical field and about health subjects that matter to you. His goal is to help make your life better, to help you find your way when faced with healthcare decisions, and to help you feel better about your health and that of your family. Bill received his medical degree at Boston University School of Medicine and spent his entire career helping people find the health and medical information, support, and services they need. His mission is to help millions of people feel fantastic by restoring them to optimal health.

Recent Articles

  • Synthes Va Ankle Trauma Inventory

    Trauma

    Synthes Va Ankle Trauma Inventory

    "Synthes VA Ankle Trauma Inventory" is a comprehensive assessment tool designed to evaluate the functional status of individuals who have experienced ankle trauma. The tool is specifically designed for use in the assessment and rehabilitation of individuals who have undergone surgery for ankle trauma. The "Synthes VA Ankle Trauma Inventory" is an important tool for medical professionals who are involved in the care and treatment of individuals with ankle trauma.

  • Synthes Ankle Trauma Inventory - A Comprehensive Approach To Ankle Trauma Management

    Trauma

    Synthes Ankle Trauma Inventory - A Comprehensive Approach To Ankle Trauma Management

    Ankle trauma is a common injury that affects individuals of all ages and can result in significant pain and disability. The Synthes Ankle Trauma Inventory (SATI) is a comprehensive approach to the management of ankle trauma, designed to provide the necessary resources to address the specific needs of patients with ankle injuries. The SATI is a collaboration between Synthes, a leading provider of medical devices and solutions, and leading ankle trauma experts.

  • Dealcoholization In Tissue Processing - Ensuring Accurate Tissue Analysis

    Health

    Dealcoholization In Tissue Processing - Ensuring Accurate Tissue Analysis

    Dealcoholization in tissue processing refers to the removal of alcohol from biological samples during the tissue preparation process. This technique is critical in ensuring accurate and reliable analysis results, as the presence of alcohol can interfere with various molecular and cellular assays.

  • Unscramble Trauma - A Journey To Healing

    Trauma

    Unscramble Trauma - A Journey To Healing

    Trauma is a difficult and complex experience that can leave an individual feeling disoriented and shattered. Unscramble trauma refers to the process of making sense of a traumatic event, coming to terms with its impact, and learning to live with its aftermath. It is a journey of self-discovery, healing, and growth that requires courage, resilience, and support.

  • What Is Dealcoholization Of Wine And What Are Its Benefits For Health?

    Health

    What Is Dealcoholization Of Wine And What Are Its Benefits For Health?

    Dealcoholization of wine is the process of getting rid of all or part of the wine's ethanol, which is what most people call the alcohol in wine. Aside from being alcohol-free, it may have a distinct flavor and aroma.

  • Most Common Injuries In Medicine

    Injury

    Most Common Injuries In Medicine

    For some common injuries, personal injury therapy is enough, and you don't need to do much else. On the other hand, some injuries, even if they don't seem serious, need help right away.

  • Energy Healing For Spinal Cord Injuries

    Injury

    Energy Healing For Spinal Cord Injuries

    Energy healing is a traditional way to heal that restores the balance and flow of energy throughout the body, mind, and spirit and can help you with a spinal injury.

  • The Importance Of Accessibility In Preventing Injuries And Promoting Inclusivity In Building Design

    Injury

    The Importance Of Accessibility In Preventing Injuries And Promoting Inclusivity In Building Design

    Accessibility not only promotes inclusivity but also plays a significant role in preventing injuries. In this article, we will explore the importance of accesibility in preventing injuries.

  • Meet The Richest Doctors Across The World

    Health

    Meet The Richest Doctors Across The World

    Most doctors make a good living, but it takes time to get good at what they do, build a good reputation, and move up to the big leagues. Find out who the richest doctors in the world are in different fields of medicine by reading on.

  • Healing Crystals For Spinal Cord Injuries

  • The Worst Injuries Ever In Soccer And The Players Who Almost Finished Their Careers For Them

  • Famous People With Spinal Cord Injuries - Everyone Can Suffer A Spinal Injury

  • The FAST Examination - Focused Assessment With Sonography In Trauma

  • BarbComa AKA Barbiturate Coma - Important Details