Fear of becoming quadriplegic (quadriplegiphobia)

Quadriplegiphobia is a fear of becoming quadriplegic, meaning losing the use of all four limbs. It can lead someone to avoid sports, diving, riding or driving, or to dwell on the idea of a serious accident. Real numbness, weakness or tingling in the limbs should be checked with a GP rather than left to worry about.

About this phobia

The word is formed from quadriplegia, the medical term for paralysis of all four limbs, also called tetraplegia. It is a rare term that appears mainly on phobia lists. It overlaps with health anxiety and with fears about accidents and losing independence.

What it feels like

• Avoiding activities seen as risky, such as diving, contact sports or horse riding
• Picturing an accident in vivid detail when travelling or exercising
• Worry about losing independence and having to rely on others

Explore more unusual fears in the rare phobias A to Z, or browse the common phobias.

Common questions

Is it normal to worry about paralysis after hearing about an accident?

A short spell of worry after a frightening story is common. It becomes more of a problem when it stops you doing things you value or keeps coming back for weeks. Any physical symptoms in the limbs or neck are best checked by a GP.

How can you help?

I use hypnotherapy and NLP to change how your mind responds to the thing you fear, so the old alarm stops going off. Sessions are one to one over Zoom, and you get a recording of the hypnosis to listen to afterwards.

How many sessions will I need?

Many clients notice a real difference after one 90 minute session. If the fear goes back a long way, three sessions gives us room to make the change stick.

Ready to start?

Book a £49 consultation call and we’ll talk through your fear, or take the free suitability test first.

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