What is Paraplegia? What is its Treatment?

Paraplegia, also known as spinal cord paralysis, is a condition characterized by the loss of movement and sensation in both legs and generally in the lower extremities, including the abdomen and lower back. A similar condition to spinal cord paralysis is paraparesis, where both legs are partially paralyzed. In paraplegia, there is still movement in the feet, but due to muscle weakness, the patient cannot walk independently.

Causes of Paraplegia

Paraplegia can result from spinal cord injuries caused by falls, gunshot wounds, or car and motorcycle accidents. Spinal cord tumors can also cause paraplegia. Scoliosis, defined as the abnormal sideways curvature of the bones surrounding the spinal cord, can lead to spinal cord injury as it progresses. Spina bifida, a congenital defect where the bones of the spine do not close, can also be a cause of spinal cord paralysis.

Causes of Spastic Paraplegia

Spastic paraplegia, which develops due to damage to the brain tissue, affects movement and cognitive functions. Causes of spastic paraplegia include genetic disorders of the brain tissue, infections the mother experiences during pregnancy, Rh incompatibility between parents, alcohol and tobacco use during pregnancy, head trauma, and febrile illnesses.

Symptoms of Paraplegia

Loss of reflexes, sensation, and movement may develop below the damaged spinal cord area. Depending on the location of the injury and the extent of spinal cord damage, patients may experience loss of bladder and bowel control as well as sexual dysfunction. If the spinal cord is completely damaged, there will be no sensation or movement in the entire lower extremity from the damaged area downward. In cases of partial spinal cord damage, control of the sphincter muscles, known as constrictor muscles, remains intact.

Complications of Paraplegia

Patients with paraplegia have reduced resistance to infections, and their risk of contracting illnesses is increased. Recovery processes tend to be longer, and diseases like sepsis and pneumonia can lead to death. One of the most common causes of death in these patients is pulmonary embolism. Since paraplegia patients lose the ability to move their leg muscles, the risk of blood clots forming in the leg veins and traveling to the heart is higher. If a blood clot forms in the artery that leads from the heart to the lungs, it can block breathing and lead to death. In addition, due to prolonged immobility, bedsores, bowel issues, blood pressure problems, circulation disorders, muscle stiffness, and joint contractures can develop in paraplegia patients.

Treatment of Paraplegia

Treatment for paraplegia involves a specialized physical therapy program tailored to the extent of the damage, the patient's general health, and age. In addition to proper physical therapy and rehabilitation, a balanced and adequate nutrition program can improve the patient's quality of life. Relatives of the patient are educated to ensure physical therapy can continue at home. The use of a powered wheelchair may be recommended to allow the patient to move around more easily at home.

Last Updated Date: 31 May 2018

Publication Date: 31 May 2018