Paraplegia and quadriplegia describe the severity and totality of the paralysis that can occur after a spinal cord injury.
Paraplegia. An individual with paraplegia will not have movement or sensation in both of their legs and sometimes parts of their lower abdomen. This is most common after an injury to the thoracic and lumbar areas of the spinal cord. Typically, it affects the T1-L5 region of the spinal cord.
Quadriplegia. An individual suffering from quadriplegia will not have movement or sensation in all four of their extremities and their chest. These injuries most often affect the cervical region of the spinal cord C1-C8. Quadriplegia often results in an inability to breathe independently and most survivors require ventilator assistance.