Etymed
quadriplegia
Definition
paralysis of all four limbs (both arms and legs)
Clinical context
A 25-year-old male presents to the emergency department after a diving accident at a local pool. He complains of inability to move his arms or legs and loss of sensation below the neck. CT scan reveals a C5 vertebra fracture with spinal cord transection. Physical examination confirms complete loss of motor function in all four extremities. The patient is diagnosed with quadriplegia resulting from his traumatic spinal cord injury.
Mnemonic
Quadriplegia = Quadri (four) + plegia (paralysis) = All four limbs affected