Cervical injuries can be frightening, but it is important to understand the levels of injury so that you are better equipped to treat them. Stem Cell Miami can help. Located in Miami, we are a stem cell therapy clinic that cares about progressing the science of regenerative medicine for the betterment of our patients. We know how difficult it can be to live with a cervical injury and we want to limit the pain and daily struggle as much as we can. To learn more about what we do and how we can help you, contact us at Stem Cell Miami today.
High-Cervical Injuries
These are the injuries that take place between C1 and C4 and they are much more severe than the ones that take place in the low-cervical nerves. This is because the higher the injury is on the spinal cord, the more dysfunction can occur. This is, in fact, the most severe of the spinal cord injuries and it can result in paralysis of the arms, hands, trunk, and legs. In some cases, the patient may not able to breathe on their own, cough on their own, or control their bowel and bladder movements. Occasionally, the patient may not be able to speak properly or their ability to speak may be reduced.
In the case that all four limbs are affected, this is typically referred to as tetraplegia or quadriplegia. Those patients that suffer from this require complete assistance with their daily activities, including with eating, dressing, bathing, and getting out of bed. They may, however, be able to get around using powered wheelchairs that have special controls on them to help them move around on their own. That said, they will not be able to drive a car on their own and they will require all-day all-year care.
Low-Cervical Injuries
In this case, the nerves are the ones responsible for controlling the arms and hands. The damage, however, is not as severe. As such, people with this level of injury can usually breathe on their own and speak normally.
With a C5 injury, the patient can raise their arms and bend their elbows, but they may have some paralysis of their wrists, hands, trunk, and legs. They can also likely speak and use their diaphragm, but their breathing is probably weakened. These patients will also need assistance with their daily activities, but once they are granted a power wheelchair, they will be able to move from place to place without assistance.
By contrast, a C8 injury patient can control limited hand movement and can grasp and release objects. They would be able to do the activities of daily living alone, but they would likely require assistance for more complicated tasks. They would also be able to drive an adapted vehicle and they would be able to manage their involuntary bowel and bladder movements with special equipment.
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Stem Cell Miami is a leading stem cell therapy expert. We can be a solution to your problem with your cervical injuries. To learn more about how we can help, contact us at Stem Cell Miami today.