For most people, breathing is a natural action. We do not think about it, yet is vital to our existence. But for those living with quadriplegia, the muscles required for breathing are paralyzed, rendering them unable to breathe on their own without mechanical assistance.
Paraplegia, sometimes called partial paralysis, is a form of paralysis in which function is substantially impeded from the waist down. Most people with paraplegia have perfectly healthy legs. Instead, the problem resides in either the brain or the spinal cord, which cannot send or receive signals to the lower body due to an injury or disease.
What is bowel, bladder and sexual dysfunction? Persons with a spinal cord injury (SCI) can experience changes to their bladder, bowel, and sexual function secondary to the spinal cord damage. Problems can occur due to a lack of voluntary control over urination and defecation, possibly leading to complications like urinary tract infections.