Tetraplegia
Pronunciation: tet-rah-PLEE-jee-ah
The internationally preferred term for paralysis of all four limbs resulting from cervical spinal cord injury, used by the American Spinal Injury Association in preference to 'quadriplegia.'
Full Definition
Tetraplegia is the ASIA-preferred and internationally standard term for four-limb paralysis caused by spinal cord lesions at the cervical level (C1–C8), distinguishing this aetiology from cerebral or peripheral causes. The term is used in scientific literature, international SCI guidelines, and ISNCSCI classification worksheets. In US clinical settings, 'quadriplegia' continues to be used, especially in legal, insurance, and ICD coding contexts. Editors working across publication types must know both terms, apply the appropriate one per venue, and ensure internal consistency. Mixing the two within a single document without explanation should be flagged as an inconsistency.
Usage
Usage note: Preferred over 'quadriplegia' in ASIA-aligned and peer-reviewed scientific documents. In US ICD coding and legal documents, 'quadriplegia' may be required. Do not use interchangeably within the same document without editorial justification.
In Context
- "The clinical trial enrolled patients with motor-complete tetraplegia classified as ASIA A or B." — Clinical Research Protocol
- "The editor queried the inconsistent use of 'tetraplegia' in the abstract and 'quadriplegia' in the body text, requesting the author confirm preferred terminology." — Manuscript Editing Query