Quadriplegia, also known as tetraplegia, is paralysis in all four limbs. In this type of paralysis, the abdominal and chest muscles can also be affected, resulting in difficulty breathing, coughing, or clearing of the chest. Quadriplegia/Tetraplegia is the result of a spinal cord injury above the first thoracic vertebra.
The degree of function that a person with quadriplegia will experience depends upon the level of injury, type of injury, and whether the injury was complete or incomplete.
Complications of quadriplegia include:
Treatment during the acute phase will focus on returning as much function as possible. Long-term treatment will focus on learning to compensate with disabilities, and keeping complications at bay. Clinical trials are also available to the quadriplegic.