Differences Between Paraplegia and Quadriplegia

When someone suffers from paralysis, it’s not one set diagnosis that dictates the injury. There are multiple types of paralysis that can occur, specifically paraplegia and quadriplegia. These are the two most common types of paralysis and it’s important to understand the difference.

What Is Paraplegia?

Occurring in roughly 43% of cases involving paralysis, paraplegia is something that impacts functionality of the lower half of the body. This means mobility of the legs is lost, but this type of paralysis can be broken down even further to include complete and incomplete paralysis.

Someone with incomplete paraplegia may experience loss of functionality in just one of their legs while still being able to use the other one normally. Complete paraplegia means both legs are affected by the injury and both legs lost mobility.

What Is Quadriplegia?

Quadriplegia is much more serious than paraplegia, occurring in roughly 56% of paralysis cases. Quadriplegia is something that impacts mobility and functionality in both the victim’s arms and legs and is most often caused due to spine injuries in the upper portions of the spinal cord.

Similar to paraplegia, victims can suffer incomplete or complete quadriplegia, impacting the side of the body that may retain functionality. While complete quadriplegia will impact all four extremities, someone wit incomplete quadriplegia may be able to move the arm and leg on one side of their body while the other side is immobile.

In any case, instances of paralysis should be taken seriously—and the legal matters that may follow when the injury is caused by negligence should be handled by skilled legal counsel who recognizes your rights and options.

At The Beasley Firm, we work hard to represent the rights of you and everyone else who has suffered a catastrophic injury due to negligence. We work with our clients to pursue the most favorable outcome possible—which often means maximum compensation and justice for the injuries sustained.

Our Philadelphia spine injury lawyers are here to answer your questions and provide you with the peace of mind you deserve during this complex and stressful time.

Call us today.