Paraplegia: Difference between revisions
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Paraplegia | {{SI}} | ||
{{Infobox medical condition | |||
=== | | name = Paraplegia | ||
Paraplegia is | | image = [[File:Diseases_of_the_nervous_system_(1910)_(14586639887).jpg|250px]] | ||
| caption = Illustration of the nervous system | |||
| synonyms = | |||
| pronounce = | |||
| specialty = [[Neurology]], [[Physical medicine and rehabilitation]] | |||
=== Diagnosis | | symptoms = [[Paralysis]] of the lower limbs | ||
Diagnosis of paraplegia | | complications = [[Pressure ulcers]], [[Deep vein thrombosis]], [[Urinary tract infections]] | ||
| onset = Sudden or gradual | |||
| duration = Long-term | |||
While there is | | types = Complete, Incomplete | ||
| causes = [[Spinal cord injury]], [[Multiple sclerosis]], [[Transverse myelitis]] | |||
| risks = [[Trauma]], [[Infection]], [[Autoimmune disease]] | |||
The prognosis for individuals with paraplegia varies | | diagnosis = [[Physical examination]], [[Magnetic resonance imaging|MRI]], [[Computed tomography|CT scan]] | ||
| differential = [[Quadriplegia]], [[Hemiplegia]] | |||
== See | | prevention = [[Safety measures]], [[Vaccination]] | ||
| treatment = [[Physical therapy]], [[Occupational therapy]], [[Assistive devices]] | |||
| medication = [[Muscle relaxants]], [[Pain management]] | |||
| prognosis = Varies depending on cause and severity | |||
| frequency = | |||
| deaths = | |||
}} | |||
{{Short description|Medical condition involving impairment in motor or sensory function of the lower extremities}} | |||
'''Paraplegia''' is a medical condition characterized by the impairment in motor or sensory function of the lower extremities. It is typically caused by damage to the [[spinal cord]] or the [[nervous system]] at the level of the thoracic, lumbar, or sacral regions. This condition results in the loss of movement and sensation in the legs and lower body. | |||
==Causes== | |||
Paraplegia can result from various causes, including: | |||
* [[Traumatic injury]]: This is the most common cause of paraplegia, often resulting from [[motor vehicle accidents]], falls, or [[sports injuries]]. | |||
* [[Non-traumatic causes]]: These include [[spinal cord tumors]], [[infections]] such as [[meningitis]] or [[transverse myelitis]], and [[degenerative diseases]] like [[multiple sclerosis]]. | |||
* [[Congenital conditions]]: Some individuals are born with conditions such as [[spina bifida]] that can lead to paraplegia. | |||
==Symptoms== | |||
The primary symptoms of paraplegia include: | |||
* Loss of movement in the lower limbs | |||
* Loss of sensation in the lower body | |||
* [[Bladder and bowel dysfunction]] | |||
* [[Sexual dysfunction]] | |||
* [[Chronic pain]] | |||
==Diagnosis== | |||
Diagnosis of paraplegia involves a thorough [[neurological examination]] and imaging studies such as [[MRI]] or [[CT scans]] to assess the extent and location of spinal cord damage. | |||
==Treatment== | |||
While there is no cure for paraplegia, treatment focuses on improving the quality of life and maximizing independence. Treatment options include: | |||
* [[Physical therapy]]: To maintain muscle strength and improve mobility. | |||
* [[Occupational therapy]]: To assist with daily activities and adaptive techniques. | |||
* [[Assistive devices]]: Such as wheelchairs, braces, and other mobility aids. | |||
* [[Medications]]: To manage pain and spasticity. | |||
* [[Surgical interventions]]: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to stabilize the spine or relieve pressure on the spinal cord. | |||
==Prognosis== | |||
The prognosis for individuals with paraplegia varies depending on the cause and severity of the spinal cord injury. Early intervention and rehabilitation can significantly improve outcomes and quality of life. | |||
==Living with Paraplegia== | |||
Living with paraplegia requires adjustments in lifestyle and environment. Many individuals with paraplegia lead fulfilling lives with the help of support systems, adaptive technologies, and community resources. | |||
==See also== | |||
* [[Quadriplegia]] | * [[Quadriplegia]] | ||
* [[Spinal cord injury]] | * [[Spinal cord injury]] | ||
* [[Rehabilitation (neuropsychology)]] | |||
* | [[Category:Neurological disorders]] | ||
[[Category:Spinal cord disorders]] | |||
[[Category:Neurological | |||
[[Category:Spinal | |||
Latest revision as of 15:47, 8 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Paraplegia | |
|---|---|
_(14586639887).jpg)
| |
| Synonyms | |
| Pronounce | |
| Specialty | Neurology, Physical medicine and rehabilitation |
| Symptoms | Paralysis of the lower limbs |
| Complications | Pressure ulcers, Deep vein thrombosis, Urinary tract infections |
| Onset | Sudden or gradual |
| Duration | Long-term |
| Types | Complete, Incomplete |
| Causes | Spinal cord injury, Multiple sclerosis, Transverse myelitis |
| Risks | Trauma, Infection, Autoimmune disease |
| Diagnosis | Physical examination, MRI, CT scan |
| Differential diagnosis | Quadriplegia, Hemiplegia |
| Prevention | Safety measures, Vaccination |
| Treatment | Physical therapy, Occupational therapy, Assistive devices |
| Medication | Muscle relaxants, Pain management |
| Prognosis | Varies depending on cause and severity |
| Frequency | |
| Deaths | |
Medical condition involving impairment in motor or sensory function of the lower extremities
Paraplegia is a medical condition characterized by the impairment in motor or sensory function of the lower extremities. It is typically caused by damage to the spinal cord or the nervous system at the level of the thoracic, lumbar, or sacral regions. This condition results in the loss of movement and sensation in the legs and lower body.
Causes[edit]
Paraplegia can result from various causes, including:
- Traumatic injury: This is the most common cause of paraplegia, often resulting from motor vehicle accidents, falls, or sports injuries.
- Non-traumatic causes: These include spinal cord tumors, infections such as meningitis or transverse myelitis, and degenerative diseases like multiple sclerosis.
- Congenital conditions: Some individuals are born with conditions such as spina bifida that can lead to paraplegia.
Symptoms[edit]
The primary symptoms of paraplegia include:
- Loss of movement in the lower limbs
- Loss of sensation in the lower body
- Bladder and bowel dysfunction
- Sexual dysfunction
- Chronic pain
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of paraplegia involves a thorough neurological examination and imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans to assess the extent and location of spinal cord damage.
Treatment[edit]
While there is no cure for paraplegia, treatment focuses on improving the quality of life and maximizing independence. Treatment options include:
- Physical therapy: To maintain muscle strength and improve mobility.
- Occupational therapy: To assist with daily activities and adaptive techniques.
- Assistive devices: Such as wheelchairs, braces, and other mobility aids.
- Medications: To manage pain and spasticity.
- Surgical interventions: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to stabilize the spine or relieve pressure on the spinal cord.
Prognosis[edit]
The prognosis for individuals with paraplegia varies depending on the cause and severity of the spinal cord injury. Early intervention and rehabilitation can significantly improve outcomes and quality of life.
Living with Paraplegia[edit]
Living with paraplegia requires adjustments in lifestyle and environment. Many individuals with paraplegia lead fulfilling lives with the help of support systems, adaptive technologies, and community resources.
