FAQs
What is the difference between paraplegia and quadriplegia?
The main difference between paraplegia and quadriplegia relates to the extent of paralysis and loss of feeling in the limbs.
Paraplegia occurs when there is an injury to the spinal cord below the neck. This causes paralysis and loss of feeling in the legs, trunk and bladder, bowel and sex organs. Arm and hand function generally remains normal.
Quadriplegia (sometimes referred to as tetraplegia) occurs when there is an injury to the spinal cord in the neck or cervical cord segments. This causes paralysis and loss of feeling in the legs and arms, the trunk and bladder, bowel and sex organs.
People who have high level quadriplegia may require mechanical ventilation to assist with breathing.
What does a complete injury mean?
A ‘complete’ spinal cord injury means that there is complete loss of movement and feeling below the level of the injury. Damage has occurred to the whole spinal cord and no messages are getting past the area of damage.
What does an incomplete injury mean?
An ‘incomplete’ spinal cord injury means that there is some movement and feeling below the level of the injury. Only part of the spinal cord has been damaged and some messages are getting through.
… that’s how one client, Josh Burry, views his personal care assistants. 
In 2008 the Toowoomba Post Polio Support Group launched their shoe exchange program. 
By purchasing Spinal Injuries Association pens you can help us to enhance the lives of people with a spinal cord injury while proudly displaying your support. 
