Florida State Paramedic Practice Exam

What kind of paralysis would a severed C4 cause?

1. Partial Paralysis

2. Quadriplegia

3. Paraplegia

4. Complete Motor Paralysis

The correct answer is: Quadriplegia

A severed C4 vertebra typically results in quadriplegia, which is the paralysis of all four limbs due to the disruption of nerve signals from the brain to the body. The cervical spine, particularly at the C4 level, plays a critical role in controlling movements and sensations in the arms and legs. When the spinal cord is severed at this level, the ability to move or feel below the shoulders is lost, leading to significant motor and sensory impairments. Individuals with C4 injuries may retain some function of the neck and possibly the diaphragm, which is essential for breathing, but will not have voluntary control of their arms or legs, fully qualifying the condition as quadriplegia. This condition is also sometimes referred to as tetraplegia, emphasizing the involvement of all four limbs. In contrast, conditions such as partial paralysis, paraplegia, and complete motor paralysis would not accurately describe the effects of a C4 injury. Partial paralysis refers to weakness in some limbs or muscle groups, which is not the case with a complete severance at the C4 level. Paraplegia refers specifically to the loss of function in the lower limbs, typically occurring with injuries below the thoracic region of the spine. Complete motor