Quadriplegia, also known as tetraplegia, is a form of paralysis that affects all four limbs, plus the torso (“quad” originates from the Latin word for four). Most people with tetraplegia have significant paralysis below the neck, and many are completely unable to move.

What does being a quadriplegic mean?

Quadriplegia refers to paralysis from the neck down, including the trunk, legs and arms.

What can a quadriplegic do?

Quadriplegia and Functionality A major spinal cord injury may interfere with breathing as well as with moving the limbs. A patient with complete quadriplegia has no ability to move any part of the body below the neck; some people do not even have the ability to move the neck.

Why are people quadriplegic?

Quadriplegia affects all four limbs and, sometimes, parts of the chest, abdomen, and back. Both are forms of paralysis that often result from injury to the spinal cord. The cause may be trauma — sustained during a car accident, for example — or a health problem, such as a stroke.

How does paralysis start?

Muscle movement is controlled by trigger signals relayed from the brain. When any part of the relay system — such as the brain, spinal cord, nerves, or junction between the nerve and the muscle — is damaged, the signals to move do not make it through to the muscles and paralysis results.