Quadriplegia

Quadriplegia is paralysis of all four limbs resulting from high cervical spinal cord injury or disease. Clinical features include complete or partial motor and sensory loss, autonomic dysfunction, and spasticity. Etiologies include trauma, ischemia, demyelination, infection, or congenital anomalies. Pathophysiology involves disruption of corticospinal tracts and spinal cord circuits. Diagnosis relies on clinical examination, imaging, and electrophysiologic studies. Management is supportive, including respiratory care, rehabilitation, and prevention of complications; prognosis depends on injury severity and intervention timing.