If you think about when do I need a wheelchair? Then below you will get to know the importance of wheelchairs.
The most common reasons for wheelchair use are the recovery time after foot surgery and people with disabilities that require a wheelchair.
But, the main purpose of wheelchair use is to improve freedom of movement without any difficulties and do all activities of daily living comfortably.
- When Do You Need a Wheelchair?
- What Injuries Require a Wheelchair?
- Can a Doctor Prescribe a Wheelchair?
- Conclusion
When Do You Need a Wheelchair?
If you have Multiple Sclerosis (MS), you may have thought about the possibility that someday you might need to use a wheelchair.
You may also need a wheelchair to have a short-term disability that makes walking difficult.
If your doctor suggests you use a wheelchair, you should use them and you will benefit from using one.
What Injuries Require a Wheelchair?
Wheelchair treatments are based on one’s condition. Not all paralyzed patients need a wheelchair.
Some other assistive devices, such as crutches, walkers, canes, scooters, prosthetic devices, and orthotic devices are also prescribed considering the condition of the patient.
Some medical conditions that require a wheelchair are explained below.
Osteogenesis Imperfecta
Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a genetic disorder disease. It is usually referred to as brittle bone disease because bones are easily broken here.
It occurs due to the mutation in the gene that makes an important building block protein collagen for bones.
Sometimes there will be other problems associated with OI, such as neuropathy, deafness, fatigue, scoliosis, blue sclerae, brittle teeth, and short stature.
BRAVOracer active wheelchair is specially made for OI patients.
Cerebral Palsy
Another injury that needs a wheelchair is Cerebral Palsy. It is a neurological disorder that is caused by problems in the nervous system.
It affects the movement and strength of the ones.
It is not a chronic disease, the original problem in the brain is not getting worse with age, and lifespan is usually unaffected.
Kimba Neo wheelchair helps this type of patient to do their daily work.
Post-polio Syndrome
Some polio patients need a wheelchair. If the post-polio syndrome patients must need to use a wheelchair.
But if the PPS signs are not severe, the patients may be able to propel them without assistance.
The majority of polio patients will experience mild symptoms or no symptoms, but a small minority may lose the ability to move in body parts, particularly the legs.
Paralysis From Stroke
Some stroke patients who got paralyzed need a wheelchair. In a stroke, the brain is in shortage of oxygen, brain cells begin to die.
When enough brain cells are damaged during a stroke, this is when paralysis took place.
This paralysis can be very unpredictable, as the consequences of a stroke vary greatly from patient to patient.
Hemiplegia
Hemiplegia patients also require wheelchairs. Causes of hemiplegia are spinal cord injury, specifically Brown-Sequard syndrome, traumatic brain injury, or disease affecting the brain.
If a stroke is affecting the corticospinal tract then hemiplegia is common.
The hemiplegia muscles display the characteristics of the Upper Motor Neuron Syndrome.
Symptoms other than weakness include reduced movement control, clonus (a series of involuntary rapid muscle contractions), spasticity, excessive deep tendon reflexes, and decreased stamina.
Motor Neuron Disease
Motor Neuron Disease (MND) is a chronic condition that attacks motor neurons or nerves in the brain and spinal cord.
It means that signals will gradually stop entering the muscles, leading to fatigue and waste. It affects your whole lifestyle.
MND has no permanent treatment but the symptoms can be managed. The perfect wheelchair for MND maximizes independence.
Spina Bifida
Spina bifida is a birth defect that occurs when the spine and spinal cord are not properly formed.
During the first month of life, an embryo (a developing child) grows a structure called a neural tube that eventually forms the spine and the nervous system.
Wheelchair helps to improve the quality of the spine Bifida patient lifestyle. Folic acid, taken as a supplement during pregnancy reduces the risk of spina bifida.
Muscular Dystrophies
These (MDs) are a group of inherited genetic disorders that slowly weaken the muscles. MD is a chronic disorder, which means it’s getting worse over time.
It leads to an increase in the level of disability. There is no cure for MD.
But some treatments may help with physical disabilities and problems that may arise, including mobility assistance with the use of a wheelchair.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Those who have severe Rheumatoid Arthritis need a wheelchair. It usually affects the hands and feet first, but can occur in any joint.
It is a long-term disease and also progressive. It happens when a person’s immune system misleads the body’s healthy tissues against foreign invaders.
There are some drugs and therapy that help to relieve symptoms and delay disease progression.
Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is sudden brain damage caused by a hit or ahead jolt.
Injuries may range from mild injuries to severe permanent brain damage.
Those who survive brain injury may have long-lasting effects on their mental and physical abilities, as well as on their emotions and personality.
They became fully dependent on someone. In this situation, a wheelchair can reduce their dependencies on others.
In addition to the above examples, the wheelchair is used in many other cases. Different kinds of wheelchairs are made for different types of patients.
The two main types of wheelchairs are manual and electric. The doctor will prescribe which type of wheelchair you need.
If the chair has electrical controls, the patients must have to be learned about the function of the control keys perfectly.
Can a Doctor Prescribe a Wheelchair?
Yes, a doctor can prescribe a wheelchair.
But there is no need for a doctor’s prescription to borrow or buy one of these items.
If your doctor believes that your bed is medically necessary, they will prescribe for you to get one.
The first thing the doctor will consider during your visit is what type of mobility equipment you need for your daily activities.
Minor problems can require only the use of a crutch, a cane, or a knee walker.
Whereas other conditions may allow the use of some form of a manual wheelchair, some specialized conditions may require one to use a power or electric wheelchair for their daily needs.
Conclusion:
The main goal of a wheelchair is to maximize independence. Right placement, ease of use, and low energy are important when selecting a seat.
You might also need to learn how to get in and out of the seat, and what to do if you start to fall.
Make sure to ask your doctor or medical technician for further directions and for any other skills that may apply to your case.
Standard wheelchairs weigh more than 35 lbs.
They have a seat width and depth of between 16 and 20 inches and a fixed or detachable armrest without the front rigging.
In the above, we will help you to determine when do you need a wheelchair.
