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Types of Spinal Cord Injury - Tetraplegia and Paraplegia

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Understanding your spinal cord injury

A severe injury to the spinal cord is likely to greatly affect a patient's life experience as well as their idea of who they are and the things of which they are capable.

This is particularly true for any person who sustains a spinal injury that leads to tetraplegia or paraplegia; such injuries are likely to be permanent and life-changing, so it is important to understand how they occur and how they impact life.

To do this we first need to consider the anatomy of the spine, which is comprised of 33 vertebrae that surround the nerve tissues of the spinal cord. These vertebrae are categorised on the basis of their location, from the first vertebra at the top of the neck (the cervical spine) down to the last at the base of the sacrum (the sacral spine). Each section's vertebra are numbered as follows:

Tetraplegia

Tetraplegia, (also referred to as quadriplegia) is used to describe a spinal cord injury situated at the first thoracic vertebra (T1), or anywhere in the cervical spine (C1-C8). Typically this will result in some level of paralysis in all of the limbs. However, injuries located higher up the spine are invariably the most severe.

The severity of the injury will also depend on the force of trauma, the degree of injury, the promptness of treatment and the quality of rehabilitation.

In more severe cases, a tetraplegia spinal cord injury impairs respiratory function to the point that the injured party may need assistance with breathing. Even with assistance, those with tetraplegia are at risk of chronic respiratory failure and are likely to have significantly reduced quality of life and, partly because of an increased susceptibility to pneumonia, reduced life expectancy.

Other common complications of tetraplegia include the following:

  • Blood clots
  • Urinary infections
  • Pressure sores
  • Muscular spasticity (contraction of the muscle causing restriction of movement)
  • Loss of bladder and bowel control
  • Pain and discomfort

Furthermore, in instances of injury to C3 and above, the patient may experience locked-in-syndrome. This means that despite being fully conscious, the patient is unable to communicate.

Paraplegia

Paraplegia is caused by injury to the spinal cord below the first thoracic vertebrae (L1) down to base of the lumbar spine (L5). Paraplegia usually does not impair full use of the hands and arms but mobility and sensation of the legs is likely to be affected to some extent, depending on the force of trauma and degree of injury.

Other possible effects of a paraplegia spinal cord injury include the following:

  • Loss of sensation below level of injury
  • Phantom sensations
  • Loss of bladder and bowel function
  • Lost or reduced sexual function.
  • Mental health symptoms
  • Weight gain
  • Susceptibility to secondary infections
  • Pain

Talk to Thompsons - Spinal Injury Claims


The paraplegia and tetraplegia spinal injury solicitors at Thompsons are here to help you with all aspects of a compensation claim, including securing sums for the following:

  • Home and car adaptations
  • Lost earnings
  • Expenses
  • Transport
  • Medical equipment
  • Healthcare, including private rehabilitation and therapy

Whenever possible, we also strive to secure interim compensation for your most pressing needs, including healthcare and rehabilitation, specialist equipment, and home adaptations.

Contact Thompsons today to see if we could help you make a claim. Call us on 0800 0891 331 or fill in our contact form so we can discuss your options.

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My experience was one of understanding, professionalism, caring and someone working hard for the very best outcome for my case, Thats exactly what she got me. Very grateful

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11 February 2025
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Wonderful Service From a Brilliant Solicitor!

Robert Cranston has been dealing with my dog bite claim for the last few years. He has worked tirelessly on my behalf - commissioning medico-legal reports, liaising repeatedly with the Sheriffs, sending many letters to the owner of the dog - which were never answered - and, most of all, his superb communication with myself. He has telephoned me on several occasions prior to this recent settlement of my claim - and sent me numerous in depth emails, updating me on action(s) taken. It must have been very challenging for Robert, as the dog's owner ignored all letters etc. It was a wonderful surprise when Robert telephoned me today, 10th February 2025, to let me know that I was to receive £15,000 for personal injury compensation. Robert is an asset to Thompsons Solicitors, and I would have no hesitation in recommending him to others. Thank you for everything, Robert. Many thanks and regards. Julie (Whitham)

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10 February 2025
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Excellent service

I am delighted with the outcome of my case. Robert took care of everything whilst ensuring I was kept up to date along the way. I would highly recommend Robert to anyone needing legal help. Thank you for your assistance during an incredibly stressful period of my life.

Anonymous
3 January 2025
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Fantastic service

Thompsons, and particularly Corinne, were fantastic during my case. She was knowledgeable and personable and kept me updated throughout the process and had my best interests at heart. I highly recommend.

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17 December 2024
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11 December 2024
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2 November 2024
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Hard work paid off

After having my case turned down by another company I turned to thompsons hoping that they would take on my case. They did and now after a long time we have had the result we wanted. I cannot thank Joel and the rest of the team that worked on my case enough, they are a credit to thompsons. They supported me continuously throughout and always gave me good information regarding how the case was going and next steps etc.

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25 October 2024
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Natalie has been amazing from start to finish. Very informative throughout the process, explaining things to ensure I always understood the process. Met with other employees who were professional and so friendly, making me feel at ease. I felt valued at all times. Would recommend 100%.

Amanda
17 October 2024
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