Tetraplegia

<p>Tetraplegia, also known as quadriplegia, is defined as the dysfunction or loss of <a href="/facts/Motor_control/IwK2rqNW">motor</a> and/or <a href="/facts/Sense/n9kYQ3rf">sensory</a> function in the <a href="/facts/Cervical_vertebrae/M7Kf14h9">cervical</a> area of the <a href="/facts/Spinal_cord/XbWLr917">spinal cord</a>. A loss of motor function can present as either <a href="/facts/Weakness/U9wAgeLn">weakness</a> or <a href="/facts/Paralysis/Sh1Rqr8R">paralysis</a> leading to partial or total loss of function in the arms, legs, trunk, and pelvis. (<a href="/facts/Paraplegia/WEkLBbt9">Paraplegia</a> is similar but affects the <a href="/facts/Thoracic_vertebrae/WXBWDkfM">thoracic</a>, <a href="/facts/Lumbar_vertebrae/BytnlsNy">lumbar</a>, and <a href="/facts/Sacrum/CTFnjSm0">sacral</a> segments of the spinal cord and arm function is retained.) The paralysis may be <a href="/facts/Flaccid_paralysis/wk7Itt4J">flaccid</a> or <a href="/facts/Spastic_quadriplegia/aMEadgbJ">spastic</a>. A loss of sensory function can present as an impairment or complete inability to sense light touch, pressure, heat, pinprick/pain, and <a href="/facts/Proprioception/Ik79bA2x">proprioception</a>. In these types of spinal cord injury, it is common to have a loss of both sensation and motor control.
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Tetraplegia