Quadriplegia and Paraplegia Information and Infographic

Published: 2013-05-17 - Updated: 2022-02-02
Author: Back Pain Relief | Contact: BackPainrelief.NET
Peer-Reviewed Publication: N/A

Synopsis: Infographic contains information regarding the difference between Quadriplegia and Paraplegia including vertebra and spinal functions. Paraplegia is an impairment in motor or sensory function of the lower extremities. The extent of the paralysis depends on the level of the spinal cord at which the damage occurs. When both legs and arms are affected, the condition is called Quadriplegia. Quadriplegia, or tetraplegia, is defined as "paralysis of four limbs", tetraplegia is more commonly used in Europe than in the United States. Quadriplegia is caused by damage to the brain or the spinal cord at a high level C1 to C7 - in particular, spinal cord injuries secondary to an injury to the cervical spine.

Main Digest

SCI Facts:

This article is part our digest of 70 publications relating to Disability Information that include:

Paraplegia - Paralysis from the waist down.

Quadriplegia - Paralysis from the shoulders down.

Complete Injuries - Result in the total loss of sensation and function below he injury level.

Incomplete Injuries - Result in partial loss of sensation and function below the injury level.

There are 32 injuries per million population or 7800 injuries in the US yearly.
An estimated additional 20 cases per million (4860 per year) die before reaching the hospital.
89.3% of all persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) who are discharged from the system are sent to private, non-institutional residence.
6.6% are discharged to nursing home.
The rest are discharged to hospitals, group living situations and other destinations.
Only 0.9% of Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI) fully recover.
Average yearly expense for spinal cord injuries can range from $228,566 to $775,576 in the first year.
Estimated lifetime costs due to spinal cord injury can range from $681,843 to over $3 million for a 25 year old.
Only 52% of SCI individuals are covered by private health insurance at the time of injury.

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Paraplegia - Quadriplegia Information

This infographic is presented to you in partnership with BackPainRelief.net Check out their site for more information on paraplegia, quadriplegia, and any other back pain related maladies, symptoms, and treatments.

(Continued...)

Causes of Paraplegia and Quadriplegia

48% motor vehicles
21% falls
15% violence
14% sports (66% which are diving related)
2% others

Race and Ethnicity

66% of those injured are Caucasian
26.2% are African American
2.1% are Asian
0.9% are Native American

Age and Gender Statistics

82% of those injured are male
18% are female
Highest per capita rate of injuries occurs between the ages of 16-30
Average age at injury is 33.4
Median age at injury 26
Mode age at injury 19
Falls overtake leading cause after the age of 45

Marital Status at Injury

53% single
31% married
9% divorced
7% other

Employment Status

58.8% employed
41.2% unemployed (includes students, retirees and homemakers)
After 8 years 34.4% of paraplegics and 24.3% of quadriplegics were still employed

Sources:

2. https://www.disabled-world.com/disability/types/spinal/

3. www.apparelyzed.com/paraplegia-paraplegic.html

4. www.visual.ly/spinal-cord-injuries-and-facts

Primary Information Source(s):

Quadriplegia and Paraplegia Information and Infographic | Back Pain Relief (BackPainrelief.NET). Disabled World makes no warranties or representations in connection therewith. Content may have been edited for style, clarity or length.

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