Definition:
Paraplegia is defined as the impairment of the sensory and/or motor function affecting the lower extremities. This medical condition is usually a result of a spinal cord injury or a congenital condition that basically affects the neural elements found in the spinal canal.
Diagnosis:
Imaging test are commonly conducted to confirm the cause of paraplegia.
Treatment:
The best approach to treat and manage paraplegia is to identify the cause of the problem. In cases where the paralysis is a result of a trauma to the spinal cord, surgical stabilization may be required along with high doses of steroid treatment. In most cases, a surgical procedure is required.
Symptoms and Signs:
Symptoms of paraplegia include leg paralysis, bladder control problems, bladder and fecal incontinence and lower body paralysis.
Causes:
There are a number of possible causes of paraplegia that can range from trauma or an acute spinal cord injury to tumors as well as multiple sclerosis. A rare cause of paraplegia is the peripheral nervous system that causes damages to the nerves that supply to the legs of the patient. Such form of damage is usually not symmetrical but when complications arise from polyneuropathy, paraplegia may be expected.
The information on this site is for research purposes only and can not substitute for the advice of a medical professional. Ailments.com is not run by doctors and does not engage in the practice of medicine. Our site is not a medical authority, it is just a research tool for you to use in preparation for consulting with a doctor. We can not guarantee our information is accurate or up to date. Even if a statement made about a medical condition is accurate, it may not apply to you or your symptoms, so you should always consult a doctor. Nothing on our site should be construed as an attempt to offer or render a medical opinion or otherwise engage in the practice of medicine.
