Quadriparesis, Quadriplegia

Quadriparesis, Quadriplegia

Quadriparesis and quadriplegia (tetraparesis, tetraplegia) refer to weakness (partial or total, respectively) of all four limbs which may be of upper motor neurone or, less commonly, lower motor neurone type (e.g., in Guillain-Barré syndrome). As with hemiplegia, upper motor neurone quadriplegia may result from lesions of the corticospinal pathways anywhere from motor cortex to cervical cord via the brainstem, but is most commonly seen with brainstem and upper cervical cord lesions. In such circumstances, respiration may be affected. 

 

Cross References

Hemiparesis; Paraplegia