How Do You Spell TETRAPLEGIA?

Pronunciation: [tˌɛtɹɐplˈiːd͡ʒə] (IPA)

Tetraplegia is a medical term that describes paralysis of all four limbs and the trunk. The spelling of this word is based on its Greek origin, "tetra-" meaning four, and "-plegia" meaning paralysis. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is pronounced as /tɛtrəˈpliːdʒə/, with stress on the second syllable. The "t" sounds like "t" in "tap", the "e" sound is like "e" in "bed", the "r" sound like "r" in "red", "a" is pronounced like "a" in "cat", and "p" as "p" in "pat" followed by "l" sound like "l" in "lap".

TETRAPLEGIA Meaning and Definition

1. Tetraplegia is a medical condition characterized by the loss of function or paralysis in all four limbs and the torso, resulting from a spinal cord injury or other forms of severe damage to the spinal cord. Also commonly referred to as quadriplegia, tetraplegia affects the body from the level of the neck down, causing varying degrees of sensory and motor impairment.

   Individuals with tetraplegia often experience complete or partial paralysis in both arms and legs, and may also have impaired or lost control over voluntary muscle movements. This condition typically arises due to a traumatic injury, such as a severe fall, car accident, or sports-related incident, which disrupts the nerve signals transmitted between the brain and the body below the injury site.

   The severity and extent of tetraplegia can vary, depending on the location and severity of the spinal cord injury. Some individuals may retain some level of sensation or movement in certain muscles, while others may have a complete loss of sensation and function. Treatment and management of tetraplegia often involve physical therapy, assistive devices, and adaptive technology to enhance mobility and independence for individuals living with this condition.

   Tetraplegia can profoundly impact an individual's daily life, requiring ongoing support and accommodations to manage the physical, emotional, and practical challenges that arise as a result of the paralysis. Specialized medical care, rehabilitation, and psychological support are essential to helping individuals with tetraplegia adapt and regain as much independence and quality of life as possible.

2. Paralysis affecting the four extremities.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for TETRAPLEGIA

• Tetraplejia
• Tetrapleja

Etymology of TETRAPLEGIA

The word "tetraplegia" is derived from two components: "tetra" and "plegia".

1. "Tetra": This prefix comes from the Greek word "tétras", which means "four". It is used to indicate the number four or a group of four.

2. "Plegia": This term originates from the Greek word "plēgía", which means "paralysis". It is derived from the verb "plḗssō", meaning "to strike" or "to hit".

Combining these two components, "tetraplegia" specifically refers to paralysis or loss of function in all four limbs. It is commonly used to describe a condition resulting from injury or a medical condition affecting the spinal cord in the neck region.

Plural form of TETRAPLEGIA is TETRAPLEGIAS