Definition

Paraplegia is a complete or partial loss of movement or feeling in the lower half of the body.

Paraplegia Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Causes

Paraplegia happens when there is damage below the neck. The most common cause is trauma, such as from a sports injury or car accident. Other causes are:

• Stroke
• Genetic disorder (hereditary spastic paraplegia)
• Congenital (present at birth)
• Infection
• Problems with the immune system
• Tumor within the spinal cord or pushing on the spinal cord
• Syrinx (a spinal cord disorder)

Risk Factors

This problem is more common in people who play contact sports.

Symptoms

The problems a person has will depend on how much of the spinal cord is affected. A person may have:

• Loss of movement or muscle control in the legs, feet, toes, or trunk
• Loss of feeling in the legs, feet, toes, or trunk
• Tingling in the legs, feet, toes, or trunk
• Loss of bowel and bladder control
• Sexual problems

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. Neurosurgeons, orthopedists, and neurologists will be involved in the diagnosis.

Blood tests will be done. The fluid around the brain and spine may also be tested. This can be done with a lumbar puncture.

Images may need to be taken of the spine. This can be done with:

• CT scan
• MRI scan
• Myelography (rarely used)

Nerve function may be tested. This can be done with:

• Nerve conduction study
• Somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs) (rarely used)

Treatment

Emergency care will be needed. It can prevent further damage to the nervous system. It may also include:

• Steroids to ease swelling of the spinal cord
• Surgery to stabilize the spine or ease pressure on it

Prevention

Paraplegia is often due to accidents that cannot be prevented.