What is Paraplegia?
Paraplegia is a spinal injury that induces impairment of the motor and sensory nerve functions leading to loss of feeling or movement of the lower extremities. It is partial or complete paralysis that affects the legs, pelvic region and trunk. Trauma to the vertebral column affects the brain and the spinal cord’s ability to transfer messages to different parts of the body. Loss of sensation below the thoracic region occurs as a result of this. This can be due to an accident or a chronic condition.
What are the symptoms?
There are two main categories
- Complete – when the injury affects the patient at the neurological level hindering movement
- Incomplete – some movement is still present
There are different forms of paralysis categorised by location
- Monoplegia – affects one area
- Hemiplegia – affects one side of the body
- Tetraplegia – affects both arms and legs
- Accidents
- Severe spinal cord injury
- Motor neuron disease
- Cancerous cell growth
- Spina bifida
- Prolonged diseases
- Alcohol addiction
Diagnostic tests are conducted
- CT Scan
- MRI
- X Rays
Treatment is possible through medication and traction in the early stages. Surgery or experimental treatments are also sometimes recommended.
Doctors focus on preventing secondary problems while the patient is undergoing a treatment.
There is not permanent treatment for this condition.
Neurofibromatosis is usually diagnosed in childhood or early adulthood.
Treatment for this disease looks at maximising healthy growth and development and managing complications.
- Constant monitoring
- Therapies like
- Stereotactic radiosurgery
- Medications
- Surgery
