Paraplegia
Paraplegia 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.
Paraplegia 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.
Paraplegia Diagnosis
Imaging test are commonly conducted to confirm the cause of paraplegia.
Paraplegia Symptoms and Signs
Symptoms of paraplegia include leg paralysis, bladder control problems, bladder and fecal incontinence and lower body paralysis.
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.