Tetraplegia

Human cervical vertebrae (shown in red): from top to bottom, C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6 and C7

Tetraplegia (or quadriplegia) is a condition in which a human loses use of all limbs and the torso. It usually affects both the ability to move and the use of the senses.

Quadriplegia is the common term in North America. Tetraplegia is the term in Europe.

Tetraplegia is caused by damage either to the brain or to the spinal cord at the level of the cervical vertebrae.^[1] People with an injury at the C1 vertebra may lose functions from the neck down. They may need a machine to breathe for them. People with injuries at the C7 vertebra may still be able to use their arms and hands.^[2]

Tetraplegia Media

Cervical spine illustration showing the vertebra and nerve roots
Christopher Reeve speaking at MIT, 2003

References

↑ "Quadriplegia". Apparelyzed. Retrieved Jan 31, 2015.^{[dead link]}
↑ "Quadriplegia". The Spinal Injury Network. Archived from the original on February 19, 2015. Retrieved Jan 31, 2015.

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[1] "Quadriplegia". Apparelyzed. Retrieved Jan 31, 2015.^{[dead link]}

[2] "Quadriplegia". The Spinal Injury Network. Archived from the original on February 19, 2015. Retrieved Jan 31, 2015.

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