A 35-year-old member asked:
In what ways are people able to survive a serious spinal cord injury (paralysis)?
3 doctor answers • 8 doctors weighed in
Dr. Stuart Riceanswered
36 years experience
Large Majority: Unless the injury is is in the high cervical region (below the skull or the first 2-3 vertebrae people usually survive, the greatest initial challenge with high sc injuries is that breathing is interrupted and a breathing machine will be required at least temporarily. Quad/paraplegics do no enjoy a completely normal lifespan as they are subject to various problems but most live good lifespans.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. George Klauberanswered
Specializes in Pediatric Urology
Depends upon level: Subects with high cervical injuries need to have ventilators if diapgragm is paralysed & have everything done for them from feeding & moving to managing their eliminations. All major cervical injuries result in quadriplegia, high thoracic downwards result in paraplegia. Patients have to learn to manage bladder & bowels. Require crutches or wheell chairs. Suject too large to detail in this venue.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Marlis Gonzalez fernandezanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 15 years experience
Good rehabilitation: A good rehabilitation program will focus in maximizing function of people with paralysis. The exact rehabilitation interventions will depend on the level of injury (the part of the spine affected). Many of my patients have spinal injuries and very productive lives. Things are done differently and they are harder to do but independence and fulfillment are possible.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Similar questions
A 37-year-old member asked:
Does a spinal cord injury always mean paralysis?
2 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in
Dr. Amir Khananswered
Sports Medicine 29 years experience
No: Fortunately, not all spinal cord injuries cause paralysis. Milder versions of the injury may simply contuse the cord and may result in little to no neurologic deficits. Other more severe injuries may severley bruise or sever the cord causing a spectrum of neurologic deficits based on location and type of injury. Full recovery is less likely with severe injuries.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Feb 4, 2017
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