Approximately 12,000 spinal cord injuries occur each year in the United States, according to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center. About 41 percent of these injuries occur as a result of automobile accidents. Men comprise 80 percent of all spinal cord injury cases in this country, with 55 percent of these injuries occurring in men who are between 16 and 30 years old.
Quadriplegia
Quadriplegia is the permanent paralysis of the entire body, including the arms and legs. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, any type of accident, sporting injury or catastrophic fall can crush or compress the vertebrae--or the bones which form the chain from the base of the brain and neck to the tail bone--and result in paralysis. In most cases, this damage is completely disabling and irreversible.
Paraplegia
Paraplegia is a similar injury, but the resulting paralysis is in the lower extremities only. In this situation, the damage is located around the middle back region, leaving the uppermost spinal regions undamaged. This is also a disabling and permanent condition not usually repairable with surgery.
Other Complications
Spinal cord injury can have a domino effect on the organs. Paralysis can also be accompanied by deep vein thrombosis (blood clots) due to the lack of blood circulation to the extremities; pressure ulcers (bed sores) which are extremely painful skin irritations penetrating several layers; joint deformity due to the constant contraction of the muscles; abnormal bone deposits which interrupt the normal use of muscle or tendons; and urinary tract infections and compaction, both resulting from the inability to notice an over-full bladder or need for a bowel movement. The Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center posits that these lasting effects from spinal cord injury can result in infection, toxic conditions and even death.
