Word parts
What it means
Loss of movement, and often feeling, in the arms, legs and body, most often from an injury to the spinal cord in the neck (cervical spine). The higher the injury, the more function is lost; injuries at the top of the neck can stop the breathing muscles. Bladder, bowel, temperature and blood pressure control are also affected.
For the nurse
Watch breathing and coughing strength, turn the client regularly to protect the skin, and manage bladder and bowel programs. In injuries at about T6 or higher, watch for autonomic dysreflexia: a sudden very high blood pressure with a pounding headache, often triggered by a full bladder.
At a glance
| Spanish | cuadriplejía |
|---|---|
| Also written | quadriplegic, tetraplegia, tetraplegic |
Related terms
paralysis
Loss of the ability to move a part of the body, and sometimes loss of feeling in it.
spinal cord injury
Damage to the spinal cord that disrupts signals between the brain and the body below the injury.
paraplegia
Paralysis of both legs and the lower part of the body.
hemiplegia
Paralysis of one side of the body.
-plegia
A word ending that means paralysis.