Paraplegia is paralysis of the limbs, starting from pelvis down. This condition is caused by loss of motion (motor) and sensory (sensory) functions due to disturbances in the nervous system which controls the muscles of the lower limbs.
Paraplegia can be temporary or even permanent, depending on the cause. In contrast to paraparesis which is still able to move both legs even though the strength is weakened, paraplegia is completely unable to move both legs.
Causes of Paraplegia
The following are some diseases or conditions that can cause paraplegia:
- stroke
- Multiple sclerosis
- spinal cord injury
- Spina bifida
- Hereditary spastic paraplegia
- Guillain-Barré . syndrome
- Spinal cord cancer or tumor
- Motor nerve diseases, such as amyotrophic lside sclerosis (ALS) and postpolio syndrome
- Infection, as tropical spastic paraparesis and polio
- decompression sickness
- Spinal cord disorders, such as syringomyelia
risk factors
Paraplegia can happen to anyone. However, there are several factors that can increase a person's risk of suffering from paraplegia, namely:
- Doing sports or work that puts you at risk for spinal cord injury, such as: rugby or dive
- Have a history of hereditary neurological diseases in the family, such as hereditary spastic paraplegia
- Have a history of cancer that can suppress the spinal cord
- Aged 60 years and over
- Have bone or joint disorders
Symptoms of Paraplegia
The process of movement in the lower limbs occurs when the nervous system, namely the brain, spinal cord, and nerve cells, cooperates with motor functions, sensory functions, and regulatory functions, resulting in movement both consciously and unconsciously.
Paraplegia occurs when there is a disturbance in the movement of the lower limbs. Paraplegia can occur suddenly (acute) or gradually (chronic). Some of the symptoms that this condition can cause are:
- Paralysis
- Numb
- Uncontrolled bowel movements and urination
- Can't get an erection
- Difficulty breathing
When viewed based on the effects and symptoms, paraplegia is divided into:
- Spastic paraplegia, where the muscles of the body in the paralyzed part are stiff and tense
- Flaccid paraplegia, in which the muscles of the body in the paralyzed part are weak and drooping
When to go to the doctor
Check with your doctor if you experience any of the above symptoms, especially if these symptoms occur suddenly, occur after an accident, or if you have difficulty breathing. Prompt diagnosis and treatment will minimize the possibility of complications.
If you have been diagnosed with paraplegia, follow the therapy given by your doctor and do regular checkups so that your condition is always monitored.
Diagnosis of Paraplegia
To establish a diagnosis, the doctor will ask questions about the patient's complaints, the patient's medical history, and the patient's family medical history. In addition, the doctor will perform a physical examination, especially an examination of the patient's motor and sensory nerves.
Doctors can also perform several supporting examinations, such as X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and electromyography (EMG).
Paraplegia Treatment
Generally, paraplegia cannot be cured, so the treatment only aims to relieve the symptoms and complaints experienced by the patient. Treatment will be tailored to the underlying cause.
The following are some of the treatments that can be given to paraplegic patients:
Drugs
If there is inflammation of the spinal cord, the doctor will give corticosteroid drugs, such as prednisone, to reduce the inflammation.
Operation
Surgery is performed to remove bone fragments, foreign bodies, and bone cushions that are pressing on nerves.
Therapy
Therapy that can be done in patients with paraplegia are:
- Physiotherapy, to help sufferers improve muscle strength and ability to move
- Occupational therapy, to help sufferers improve their ability to carry out daily activities independently
Paraplegia Complications
Patients with paraplegia will lose control of motion (motor) and senses (sensory) in the lower body, which can lead to several complications such as:
- Decubitus ulcer
- leg cramps
- Blood clots in leg veinsdeep vein thrombosis)
- muscle atrophy
- Stress due to decreased self-confidence or difficulty in carrying out activities
Paraplegia Prevention
Given that paraplegia can be caused by many conditions, to be able to completely prevent paraplegia is not an easy matter. However, some of the efforts below you can do to reduce the risk of developing paraplegia:
- Use protective equipment when exercising
- Use safety equipment when driving
- Check your health regularly, especially if you suffer from conditions that can cause paraplegia