"My opinion about  the Paralympic games" by  Daniele Castellaneta.flv
Channel: riimit
Date: 2012-10-02

The consequences of paralysis caused by spinal cord injury are Paraplegia or Quadriplegia (also known as Tetraplegia).

Paraplegia consists of a paralysis that affects: the waist, the legs, bladder and bowel functions and sexual functions. 
Quadriplegia (cervical vertebral injury) also leads to the upper limbs paralysis and in severe cases it also affects the respiration muscles so that the use of ventilator become necessary to breathe.

In Italy, the Ministry of Health estimate there are 80 000 people affected by paralysis caused by spinal cord injury, with an annual increase of about 20/25 new cases/ million population (1.200-1.500/ new cases every year in Italy). 

Over 80% of the para-quadriplegics are between 10 and 40 years old.