Paraplegia - Loss Of Sensation And Movement In Both Legs

You must have Paraplegia trauma. If you have paraplegia, a kind of paralysis, you cannot move the bottom part of your body. It happens when a condition or injury affects the area of your nerve system that regulates your lower body. Your abdominal muscles, feet, and legs could be difficult to move.

This paraplegia might occasionally just affect one leg. We refer to this as partial paraplegia.

The first sign of neuroblastoma that has spread from a paravertebral origin into the epidural region is paraplegia. Since newborns are the majority of those afflicted, reluctance to stand or walk is frequently the initial indication.

Within hours or days, mild weakness might turn into total paraplegia. A bloated bladder, flaccid paraplegia, and heightened tendon reflexes in the legs are typically discovered during an examination. Testing sensations could be challenging.

Causes Of Paraplegia Trauma

COPYRIGHT_SPINE: Published on https://spinal-injury.net/paraplegia/ by Dr. Bill Butcher on 2022-10-05T00:34:37.549Z

The result of injury below the neck is paraplegia. Most of the time, trauma like a sports injury or car accident is to blame.

During trauma of Paraplegia, the spinal cord is injured from two sources, the initial acute impact, which causes a concussion on the spinal cord, and compression on the spinal cord from increased pressures from nearby rigid structures such as vertebrae and discs that may have been dislodged by the injury.

In the second set of circumstances, such modifications lead to a rise in tissue pressure, which can obstruct venous return and cause edema near the spinal cord. Ischemia can also result from weakened arterial blood flow to the spinal cord.

The spinal cord's hypoxia and ischemia cause gliosis, or nerve damage. Paraplegia can also result from infections in and around the spinal cord, such as abscesses, tuberculous abscesses, and parasite infestations like schistosomiasis.

Diagnosis Of Paraplegia After Trauma

If you have symptoms, a doctor can examine you for paraplegia. A thorough medical history will be taken, including any recent illnesses or incidents. In most cases, medical imaging tests are required to check for damage that might be the source of your symptoms.

MRIs, CT scans, and X-rays are included in imaging examinations. Additionally, you could have a test called electromyography. This exam evaluates how your body reacts to the stimulation of the muscles in question.

Treatment Of Paraplegia Trauma

A paraplegia injury cannot be prevented or reversed at the moment. Some of the symptoms and consequences that develop can be managed, though. Some people may also be able to take back full or partial control of the damaged areas over time.

For instance, a physician could recommend physical or occupational therapy to treat pain and muscular problems. With the help of physical therapy, a person can keep their strength and range of motion.

Typically, mobility aids like a wheelchair or a mobility scooter are required. A doctor could also advise using certain drugs. For instance, using a muscle relaxant might ease discomfort or spasms.

Blood clot risk can be decreased by using blood thinners. Surgery may be necessary for specific circumstances. Surgery can be used to treat lesions and reduce edema.

People Also Ask

What Are The Most Common Reasons For Paraplegia?

Paraplegia is a condition that develops when there is an injury below the neck. Most cases are caused by trauma, such as being hit by a car or getting hurt while playing sports.

Is Paraplegia Reversible?

Even though there is no known cure for all types of paraplegia, there are steps patients can take to get better faster and maybe even use their legs again.

Can Paraplegia Be Short-Lived?

Some people briefly become paralyzed before gradually regaining some or all of their mobility.

Conclusion

Injury resulting in paraplegia significantly limits movement in the lower body. It may come from a long-term illness or an incident that harms the brain or spinal cord.

Complications like spasticity may develop over time in paraplegics. They often need long-term, everyday care, and therapy.

Paraplegia is now incurable. But there are other long-term treatment alternatives, such as physical therapy, drugs, and surgery. These might aid people in regaining some degree of control over the harmed parts.

About The Authors

Dr. Bill Butcher - With more than two decades of experience, Dr. Bill Butcher aims to provide a repository for educational materials, sources of information, details of forthcoming events, and original articles related to the medical field and about health subjects that matter to you. His goal is to help make your life better, to help you find your way when faced with healthcare decisions, and to help you feel better about your health and that of your family. Bill received his medical degree at Boston University School of Medicine and spent his entire career helping people find the health and medical information, support, and services they need. His mission is to help millions of people feel fantastic by restoring them to optimal health.