When the word “paralysis” comes up, many people immediately think spinal cord injury. While spinal cord injuries are the leading cause of paralysis in the United States, there are countless injuries that may lead to paralysis. So, to keep things simple, paralysis is broken down into four categories based on the part of the body that is impacted.
Monoplegia
Mono is a prefix meaning one, or singular. As the name implies, Monoplegia is paralysis of a single part of the body. Those affected typically have full function of other limbs but cannot move or feel the damaged limb. Many instances of Monoplegia are caused by injuries such as:
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Strokes
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Cerebral palsy
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Brain injuries
It’s also important to note that Monoplegia is not always permanent, especially following brain injury—as physical therapy may allow you full functionality of the limb.
Hemiplegia
Hemiplegia impacts an arm and leg on one specific side of the body. Hemiplegia isn’t always permanent and its intensity varies greatly from person to person. Unlike other forms of paralysis, Hemiplegia often begins as a feeling of needles and slowly creeps into paralysis.
Paraplegia
Paraplegia means paralysis below the waist. Many times victims suffering from Paraplegia have the following affected:
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Both legs
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Hips
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Sexuality
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Waste management
Paraplegia is often caused by spinal cord injuries, due to their impact on the brain’s ability to send and receive signals:
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Spinal cord injuries (including infections)
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Brain injuries (including tumors and infection)
Quadriplegia (Tetraplegia)
Quadriplegia is known as paralysis below the neck. Typically, all limbs and the torso are affected. Similar to paraplegia, the intensity of the disability and the loss of function varies greatly from injury to injury. It’s common for people to see Quadraplegia as a lifelong disability, but just like other forms of paralysis, it is possible to regain the function of limbs through physical therapy and other methods.
As is common with most forms of paralysis, spinal cord injuries are the leading cause of Quadriplegia. Other contributing factors include:
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Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
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Loss of oxygen to the brain (common in birth injuries and severe accidents)
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Drug/alcohol overdose
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Serious allergic reaction to medications
Life Moving Forward
While there is no guarantee that your paralysis will get better following your accident, seeking the compensation you deserve may allow you to undergo additional treatment methods to help you return to your “normal life” before the accident.
Working with an experienced Texas personal injury attorney will allow you to ensure you are pursuing the maximum compensation for your case, along with having someone by your side who can guide you in the right direction.
We offer free consultations to those who need us. Call The Stewart Law Firm today at (512)271-5112 to discuss your case over a confidential case review.
