Life expectancy depends on the severity of the injury, where on the spine the injury occurs and age. Life expectancy after injury ranges from 1.5 years for a ventilator-dependent patient older than 60 to 52.6 years for a 20-year-old patient with preserved motor function.

What do most quadriplegics die from?

Pneumonia was the leading cause of death among quadriplegics and persons at least 55 years of age, while among paraplegics and persons who were less than 55 years of age, subsequent unintentional injuries and suicides were the leading causes of death.

How old is the oldest living quadriplegic?

According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the oldest living quadriplegic is Wally Dutcher, 78 as of a year ago, and still starting trouble. You probably know a quad in that range or older, or you yourself are that person.

Will a quadriplegic ever walk again?

As long as the injury is incomplete (the spinal cord is not severed all the way through), recovery to some degree is possible. SCI patients with less severe quadriplegia may be able to move their arms and hands with weakness, while those with more severe quadriplegia may not be able to move their arms at all.