PARAPLEGIA:
- impairment in motor or sensory function of the lower extremities.

-Comes from the Greek word "half-striking"

-area of the spinal canal which is affected in paraplegia is either the thoracic, lumbar, or sacral regions

Complete: no level of feeling or function exists for the patient below the point of injury

Incomplete: results in the patient retaining some level or feeling or function below the point of injury

Some people can walk to a degree and many are dependent on wheelchairs or other supportive measures

Can have nerve related complications: cases of chronic nerve pain in the areas surrounding the point of injury are not uncommon

-phantom pains - experienced by individuals suffering from paralysis could be a direct result of these collateral nerve injuries misinterpreted by the brain




ruggenmerg%20met%20uitval.gif