Quadriplegia
Pronunciation: kwod-rih-PLEE-jee-ah
Complete or near-complete paralysis of all four limbs, resulting from injury or disease affecting the cervical spinal cord or brain; the term 'tetraplegia' is now preferred in international and ASIA-aligned documentation.
Full Definition
Quadriplegia (also termed tetraplegia) describes the loss of motor and, typically, sensory function in both upper and lower extremities due to lesions at the cervical level of the spinal cord or above. The American Spinal Injury Association and international bodies now prefer 'tetraplegia' to distinguish spinal cord–mediated paralysis from cerebral causes; however, 'quadriplegia' remains prevalent in US clinical and legal documentation. Editors must be alert to the coexistence of both terms within a document and should apply the house style consistently, flagging discrepancies for author review. The term carries specific implications for ventilator dependence, upper-limb function, and rehabilitation intensity.
Usage
Usage note: 'Tetraplegia' is preferred in ASIA-aligned and international publications; 'quadriplegia' remains standard in US legal and insurance documents. Standardise within a document and note the convention used.
In Context
- "The patient sustained motor-complete quadriplegia at the C4 level and required ventilator support for respiratory insufficiency." — IRF Admission Note
- "Per ASIA convention, the editor changed 'quadriplegia' to 'tetraplegia' throughout the manuscript prior to journal submission." — Academic Manuscript Editing Note