What is spinal paraplegia?

Paraplegia is a term used to describe the inability to voluntarily move the lower parts of the body. The areas of impaired mobility usually include the toes, feet, legs, and may or may not include the abdomen. Picture: A person with a complete T12 level of injury is paralyzed from the waist down.

What is the paraplegic definition?

Paraplegia is a type of paralysis that affects the lower half of your body and your ability to walk. It is often caused by injury.

What part of the spinal cord causes paraplegia?

Lumbar spinal cord injury L1-L5 Lumbar level injuries result in paralysis or weakness of the legs (paraplegia).

Why is it called paraplegia?

Paraplegia is an impairment in motor or sensory function of the lower extremities. The word comes from Ionic Greek (παραπληγίη) “half-stricken”. It is usually caused by spinal cord injury or a congenital condition that affects the neural (brain) elements of the spinal canal.

What is spinal cord?

A column of nerve tissue that runs from the base of the skull down the center of the back. It is covered by three thin layers of protective tissue called membranes. The spinal cord and membranes are surrounded by the vertebrae (back bones). The spinal cord and the brain make up the central nervous system (CNS).

What is paraplegic and quadriplegic?

Summary. Paraplegia refers to the loss of movement and sensation in both legs and, sometimes, part of the lower abdomen. Quadriplegia affects all four limbs and, sometimes, parts of the chest, abdomen, and back. Both are forms of paralysis that often result from injury to the spinal cord.

What is the difference between paralysis and paraplegia?

It can occur on one or both sides of your body. It can also occur in just one area, or it can be widespread. Paralysis of the lower half of your body, including both legs, is called paraplegia. Paralysis of the arms and legs is quadriplegia.

What happens paraplegia?

Paraplegia Definition Paraplegia is a spinal cord injury that paralyses the lower limbs. It is a result of severe damage to the spinal cord and the nervous system. Paraplegia mainly affects the trunk, legs, and the pelvic region, resulting in loss of movement.

What is difference between paraplegic and quadriplegic?

Paraplegia refers to the loss of movement and sensation in both legs and, sometimes, part of the lower abdomen. Quadriplegia affects all four limbs and, sometimes, parts of the chest, abdomen, and back. Both are forms of paralysis that often result from injury to the spinal cord.

What nerves cause paraplegia?

An injury involving the thoracic spinal nerves in the upper back can cause paralysis or weakness in the chest, abdomen, and legs. The term “cervical spinal cord” refers to the spinal cord in the neck. Injuries to this area can cause paralysis of the entire body below the neck.

What happens in the spinal cord?

What does the spinal cord allow the body to do? When the body moves, messages travel from the brain down the spinal cord. Messages also are carried up the spinal cord to the brain so a person can feel sensations. There are nerves that branch off the spinal cord.

How is paraplegia defined in spinal cord injury?

When someone sustains any serious spinal cord injury, much depends, in terms of the prognosis, on where the damage has occurred. The standard paraplegia definition is a sub-classification of paralysis and points to loss or impairment of lower body motor function. It’s a condition that is also sometimes defined as partial paralysis.

What’s the difference between a paraplegic and a quadriplegic?

Paraplegics do have full use of their arms. Quadriplegics have sustained a spinal cord injury in the neck or upper back within the C1-C8 cervical section which is located above the first thoracic vertebra in the spine. Quadriplegics have paralysis in the arms and legs.

Can a paraplegic be paralyzed from the waist down?

A paraplegic has sustained a spinal cord injury in the lower back (within the T1-L5 sections of the spine). Paraplegics experience some form of paralysis in the lower part of the body which can range from minor mobility problems to being completely paralyzed from the waist down.

What are the symptoms of being a paraplegic?

Common issues that a paraplegic will experience include: Loss of sensation and the ability to move their legs. Problems with bladder and bowel function. Phantom pain and feelings in the lower part of the body. Potential loss of sexual function and a lowering of libido.