Tetraplegia, also called quadriplegia, is defined as which?

• A. Paralysis in all four extremities
• B. Paralysis in the legs only
• C. Loss of sensation in the trunk
• D. Only mild weakness in limbs

Answer: (A)

Tetraplegia is defined by paralysis in all four extremities. This condition occurs when the motor pathways in the cervical (neck) region of the spinal cord are disrupted, leading to loss of voluntary movement in both arms and legs, and sometimes affecting the trunk as well. It’s different from paraplegia, which is paralysis of the legs only due to injury lower down in the spine. While sensory changes can occur with tetraplegia, the defining feature is motor paralysis of all four limbs, not merely loss of sensation or only mild weakness.