The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines paraplegia as the “partial or complete paralysis of the lower half of the body with involvement of both legs that is usually due to injury or disease of the spinal cord in the thoracic or lumbar region.” It describes paralysis as the “complete or partial loss of function especially when involving the motion or sensation in a part of the body.” The reason for the second, more generic, description is that paralysis can affect many different areas of the body, whereas paraplegia is somewhat more limited in extent.
Paraplegia typically affects the T1-L5 regions of the spinal cord, which runs vertically from the bottom of the cervical spinal cord (at the base of the neck) down to the top of the sacral nerves (by the pelvis). When paraplegia occurs, communication between the brain and areas of the body located below the injury site on the spinal cord may be limited or eliminated. Injury levels result in different motor function losses. For instance, a T4 - T12 paraplegia case may have less hand dexterity problems than a person with a T-1 injury.
When it comes to spinal cord injuries, some of the top paralysis causes include:
Automobile accidents, Falls, Acts of violence, Sports and recreational activities
Some of the natural causes of paralysis include:
Autoimmune disorders, Genetic disorders, Guillain-Barré syndrome, Brain injuries, Strokes or oxygen deprivation, Tumors, growths, or other objects impeding the spinal cord, Multiple sclerosis (MS) or muscular dystrophy (MD)
Paraplegia Symptoms
When someone suffers a traumatic spinal cord injury that results in paraplegia, the muscles in their back, core, chest (in some cases), and legs may no longer function or may be impeded. Because paralysis may affect the muscles of the chest, diaphragm, and abdomen, respiratory function can be affected. When the breathing muscles that help the lungs expand and contract are partially impeded, it can result in some difficulty inhaling or exhaling deeply.
Paraplegia is a variable condition that changes over time or even from day to day. For some SCI survivors, motor or sensory functions may be severely affected below the injury site, leaving them unable to move their legs, walk, stand unassisted, or feel anything below the waist or chest. For others, their motor or sensory functions may be partially affected. This can result in minor mobility issues or decreased sensations (or tingling sensations) in their legs or lower bodies.
Other paralysis symptoms stemming from paraplegia include:
• Changes in sexual functionality or libido
• Loss or impediment of bladder and bowel function
• Phantom pains or sensations
• Secondary infections and bedsores
• Chronic pain
Paraplegia Treatment
As with any spinal cord injury, early intervention and intensive treatments frequently result in the best chances of recovery. However, it is important to note that every paraplegic patient is different, and the type and level of treatment they require may be equally beneficial for another with a similar injury.
Paraplegia exercises and therapies can help slow muscle atrophy and improve existing muscle function. Additionally, Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems offer comprehensive and highly-rated treatment, so if such a facility is near you, consider moving your recovery to that location.
Some treatment options include:
• Surgery
• Medications
• Physical therapy
• Paraplegia exercises
• Psychotherapy
• Education about your injuries, advocacy programs, and family support groups
• Occupational training
• Alternative modalities; acupuncture, massage, chiropractic, and other holistic treatments
Paraplegia Recovery
Paraplegia recovery can be a long and difficult process as paraplegics learn to cope with their paraplegia symptoms. There are numerous steps to recovering from paraplegia-steps that may change depending on the cause and severity of the condition.
Some steps to paraplegia recovery include:
• Immediate Medical Attention. Timely care following a major TBI or SCI can have an enormous impact on the severity of symptoms and even the likelihood of survival.
• Research Your Paraplegia Recovery Options. From surgical treatments, rehabilitation therapy, to dietary changes, it’s important to investigate all of your potential avenues of recovery.
• Get Involved with Support Groups. There are numerous support groups for paraplegics and others who live with some form of paralysis (and their loved ones). Many of these groups can help provide a place to find good advice and support.
• Make Accommodations for Mobility Limitations. Part of recovering from any condition that limits mobility is making modifications to the home that increase accessibility.
• Consider Psychological Therapy. For paraplegics, it can be crucial to seek out a specialist in psychological therapy-especially when the paraplegia is caused by a traumatic brain injury.