Paraplegia Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Definition
Paraplegia is a neurological disorder that causes loss of sensory (sensation) and motor (movement) function in the lower limbs. As a result, people with paraplegia will experience paralysis in both legs. Paraplegia often occurs in young men aged 15 to 35 years due to accidents.
Paraplegia is divided into two, namely complete and incomplete. Complete paraplegia is absolute damage to the spinal cord. This makes sufferers lose sensory and motor functions. Meanwhile, incomplete paraplegia is damage to a portion of the spinal cord. As a result, sufferers will lose only sensory or motor functions.
Symptoms
Common signs of paraplegia include weakness in both lower limbs and abnormal sensations such as numbness, tingling, burning, cold or pain. Lower leg muscles can become stiff and will shrink over time because they are not used. In some cases, paraplegia can also interfere with the function of urinating (BAK) and defecating (BAB).
Reason
Paraplegia is caused by injury to the spinal cord due to trauma or an accident. The most common causes are motorcycle accidents and falls in the elderly (usually those over 65 years of age).
Spinal injuries don’t always happen quickly. Paralysis or sensation abnormalities such as numbness can occur immediately or late. Additional injury can occur due to swelling or bleeding. So it is important to find the cause quickly so that it can be treated optimally.
Other causes such as spina bifida (congenital abnormalities), tumors, blood clotting disorders, infections of the spinal cord, HNP, and so on can also trigger paraplegia.
Diagnosis
The doctor will conduct an interview with the patient’s medical history and symptoms to determine a diagnosis of paraplegia. The physical examination includes a complete sensory and motor examination, not just the lower limbs, to determine if the abnormality is simply paraplegia.
Investigations that can also be carried out to confirm the diagnosis of paraplegia and rule out suspicion of other health problems. These checks include:
- Blood and laboratory tests
- Radiological examination
Treatment
Patients with incomplete paraplegia are generally still able to walk within certain limits. However, many people with paraplegia have to use assistive devices such as canes or wheelchairs. In addition, not a few sufferers need painkillers and muscle relaxants. This is needed to reduce the pain and stiffness of the muscles that are felt. Therapy is also needed for disorders of urination (BAK) and defecation (BAB).