Quadriplegia is a term used to indicate loss of function in all four limbs. It is also sometimes referred to as tetraplegia. The reasons behind most cases of quadriplegia are spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, or a stroke. In the case of spinal cord injuries, the amount of damage depends upon the part of the spinal cord that is injured and the level of injury. People with quadriplegia may not be able to move any part below the neck or sometimes even the neck. In some cases, people with spinal cord injuries can move their arms, but they cannot control them. In that case, spinal cord injury adaptive equipment is used. HPFY brings to you a range of assistive devices for quadriplegics to ease routine tasks.
Adaptive Equipment for Quadriplegics
Proper patient care with the use of adaptive equipment for quadriplegics helps prevent any further injury and promotes the best possible patient outcome. The critical areas caregivers should focus on include:
- Loss of Bladder and Bowel Control: Injuries to the brain and spine can be devastating because they impair the sensation and movement of the whole body. The spinal cord controls the bladder and bowel movements. After an injury, the patient might get urinary or fecal incontinence or constipation. If left untreated, it may lead to urinary tract infections, which may prove to be fatal sometimes. To control incontinence issues, catheters can be used along with reusable underpads.
- Pressure Sores: Pressure sores can be a problem in people with immobility issues as they cannot shift their body weight on their own. If left untreated, these can get infected, leading to serious complications. Special mattresses or cushions can help prevent pressure sores. Also, wound care bandages and wound dressings are available for the same.
- Blood Clots: Blood circulation might be impaired in immobile people. This can cause blockage in veins or arteries, which can prove to be fatal. The doctor may prescribe certain medications, including blood thinners. You may also consider wearing a support hose for light compression to improve circulation.
- Respiratory Problems: Spinal cord injury can also cause respiratory problems, as the diaphragm can get paralyzed, which may lead to respiratory problems. The patient might require a ventilator or an oxygen concentrator to breathe. But this is not necessary in all cases.
- Autonomic Dysreflexia: In people with spinal cord injury above the mid-chest, irritation or pain may occur, which results in a nerve signal that disrupts all body functions. This condition is called Autonomic dysreflexia. It is a fatal condition as it may pose a risk of stroke.
- Sexual function: Sexual functionality and fertility may be affected depending on injury and recovery from trauma. A urologist can suggest different options for sexual functioning.
- Depression: Many people living with a spinal cord injury may develop depression as a result of changes in lifestyle. Medicines and occupational therapy (where possible) may help treat depression.
- Muscle loss: Regular weight-bearing exercises using quadriplegic exercise equipment and electrical stimulation can prevent loss of muscle length and contractures.
- Spasm Pain: Different types of pain-relieving products can help in reducing pain.
When using assistive devices for spinal cord injury patients, be sure to consult your healthcare professional before opting for any treatment method. Conditions can get critical with the slightest of neglect.
Where can you buy Assistive Devices for Quadriplegics online?
HPFY offers a wide variety of tools for quadriplegics to offer them protection and care. Find here incontinence care products, wound care supplies, respiratory care products, compression therapy supplies, rehab and therapy products, and a lot more from the best manufacturers in the industry, including Drive Medical, Enabling Devices, Attends Healthcare Products, Coloplast, and many more.
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