Definition

1. Noun:
   • Paralysis of all four limbs: A medical condition characterized by the loss of muscle function and sensation in both arms and both legs, typically resulting from injury or disease affecting the spinal cord in the cervical (neck) region.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The car accident resulted in permanent quadriplegia for the driver.
  • Specialized equipment is essential for improving the quality of life for individuals with quadriplegia.

Advanced Usage

• Medical Context: The term is used clinically to describe the extent of paralysis. The level of spinal cord injury determines the specific functional abilities retained.
  • The patient's C5 spinal cord injury led to spastic quadriplegia.

Variants and Related Words

• Quadriplegic (noun): A person affected by quadriplegia.
  • The center provides sports programs for quadriplegics.
• Quadriplegic (adjective): Relating to or suffering from quadriplegia.
  • He requires quadriplegic care services.

Synonyms

• Tetraplegia: A medically synonymous term, often used interchangeably. "Tetraplegia" is the formal term in many international medical classifications.

Antonyms

• Ambulatory: Able to walk about.
• Mobile: Capable of moving freely and easily.

Related Phrases

• Spinal cord injury (SCI): The most common cause of quadriplegia.
• Complete vs. Incomplete quadriplegia: Refers to whether all or only some sensory and motor function is lost below the level of injury.

Noun

1. paralysis of both arms and both legs