Tetraplegia: meaning, definitions and examples

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tetraplegia

 

[ ˌtɛtrəˈplidʒiə ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

medical condition

Tetraplegia is a medical condition characterized by the partial or total paralysis of all four limbs. It results from injury or disease to the spinal cord, typically in the cervical region. Individuals with tetraplegia may lose sensation and motor function in their arms and legs, which can significantly impact daily activities and quality of life.

Synonyms

four-limb paralysis, quadriplegia

Examples of usage

  • The accident left him with tetraplegia.
  • Rehabilitation programs are essential for individuals with tetraplegia.
  • Tetraplegia can arise from various causes, including spinal cord injuries.
  • Living with tetraplegia often requires adaptive technologies.

Translations

Translations of the word "tetraplegia" in other languages:

🇵🇹 tetraplegia

🇮🇳 चतुष्कोणीय पक्षाघात

🇩🇪 Tetraplegie

🇮🇩 tetraplegia

🇺🇦 тетраплегія

🇵🇱 tetraplegia

🇯🇵 四肢麻痺

🇫🇷 tétraplégie

🇪🇸 tetraplejía

🇹🇷 tetrapleji

🇰🇷 사지마비

🇸🇦 شلل رباعي

🇨🇿 tetraplegie

🇸🇰 tetraplegia

🇨🇳 四肢瘫痪

🇸🇮 tetraplegija

🇮🇸 fjórfaldur lömun

🇰🇿 тетраплегия

🇬🇪 ტეტრაპლეგია

🇦🇿 tetraplegiya

🇲🇽 tetraplejía

Word origin

The term 'tetraplegia' is derived from the Greek words 'tetra-', meaning 'four', and 'plegia', meaning 'paralysis'. This word has been used in the medical field since the early 20th century to describe a condition affecting all four limbs. The concept of paralysis has been documented throughout history, but the specific classification of tetraplegia became relevant with advancements in understanding spinal cord injuries and neurology. As medical science progressed, the terminology surrounding paralysis evolved to provide clearer distinctions among different types, leading to the use of the term 'tetraplegia' to encompass those with complete or partial loss of motor function in both the arms and legs.