What is the medical term for paralysis of all four limbs?

The medical term for paralysis of all four limbs is quadriplegia. This condition results from injury or illness affecting the spinal cord, particularly in the cervical region, which can lead to the loss of movement and sensation in both the upper and lower limbs as well as the trunk.

Quadriplegia, often referred to as tetraplegia, encompasses a broad spectrum of severity, depending on the level and extent of spinal cord damage. It is important to differentiate quadriplegia from other types of paralysis. For instance, paraplegia refers specifically to paralysis of the lower limbs, hemiplegia indicates paralysis on one side of the body (which can involve either the arm and leg on that side), and monoplegia is restricted to paralysis of a single limb. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for accurate diagnosis, treatment, and coding in medical settings.