quadriplegia /quad·ri·ple·gia/ (kwod″rĭ-ple´jah) paralysis of all four limbs.
Quadriplegia
quadriplegia (quad)
quadriplegia [kwod″rĭ-ple´jah]
quad·ri·ple·gia (kw d r -pl  j)n. Paralysis of all four limbs. Also called tetraplegia. quad ri·plegic adj. & n. |
Quadriplegia
Paralysis of all four limbs.
Mentioned in: Cerebral Palsy
quadriplegia (quad)
[kwod′rəplē′jē·ə]
Etymology: L, quattuor, four; Gk, plege, stroke
See tetraplegia.
quadriplegia [kwod″rĭ-ple´jah]
paralysis of all four limbs; motor and/or sensory function in the cervical spinal segments is impaired or lost due to damage to that part of the spinal cord, resulting in impaired function in the upper limbs, lower limbs, trunk, and pelvic organs. This term does not include conditions due to brachial plexus lesions or to injuries of peripheral nerves outside the spinal canal. Called also tetraplegia. adj., adj quadriple´gic.
Patient Care. The quadriplegic patient has major sensory and motor deficits and is therefore subject to the many problems associated with immobility and loss of sensation. (See hazards of immobility.) The immediate goal of care is the prevention of complications that can affect all body systems, and maintenance of the integrity of the body systems so that optimum rehabilitation can be achieved. The extent to which the patient may eventually achieve mobility in a wheelchair and some degree of independence is greatly affected by the caliber of care received and the motivation and drive of the individual patient.
Mechanical devices such as braces are helpful in compensating for the loss of muscular function. physical therapy procedures and techniques and occupational therapy are essential aspects of patient care and are vital to the attainment of the goals of rehabilitation. (See also paraplegia.)
Patient education is especially important to the long-range goal of prevention of serious complications. Patients and their families should be aware of the early signs and symptoms of breakdown of the skin (pressure ulcer), fecal impaction, a developing infection, and urinary difficulties. As with any type of long-term care, these patients should be medically evaluated periodically and their care should be under the supervision of a visiting nurse. In spite of the many difficulties that may be encountered by paralyzed patients, it is possible for them to lead useful and personally rewarding lives.
Mechanical devices such as braces are helpful in compensating for the loss of muscular function. physical therapy procedures and techniques and occupational therapy are essential aspects of patient care and are vital to the attainment of the goals of rehabilitation. (See also paraplegia.)
Patient education is especially important to the long-range goal of prevention of serious complications. Patients and their families should be aware of the early signs and symptoms of breakdown of the skin (pressure ulcer), fecal impaction, a developing infection, and urinary difficulties. As with any type of long-term care, these patients should be medically evaluated periodically and their care should be under the supervision of a visiting nurse. In spite of the many difficulties that may be encountered by paralyzed patients, it is possible for them to lead useful and personally rewarding lives.
Quadriplegia.
quadriplegia (kwäˈ·dr
·plēˑ·jē·),n paralysis distinguished by the loss of motion, reflexes, and sensation in the trunk of the body in addition to both legs and arms. Also called
tetraplegia. See also paraplegia.
tetraplegia. See also paraplegia.
)
Quadriplegia.
quadriplegia (kwod´r
plē´jē),n an abnormal condition characterized by paralysis of both arms and legs and the trunk of the body below the level of the associated injury to the spinal cord.
quadriplegia
paralysis of all four limbs; tetraplegia. Indicative of spinal cord injury in the upper cervical area. May be acute or gradual in onset depending on the nature of the lesion.
hereditary amblyopia with quadriplegia
quadriplegia
Neurology Paralysis of both arms and both legs, as seen in a high spinal cord accident or stroke. See Spinal cord injury, Stroke.
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