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Paraplegia
What is Paraplegia?The condition describes a complete or partial lack of motor, sensory and systemic functions in the lower body and extremities. Every affected individual will have a unique symptomatic profile, depending on the location and extent of the causative condition. A complete paraplegic condition will demonstrate total loss of nerve function below the affected spinal level. A partial paraplegic condition describes a less than complete loss of function below the affected vertebral level. Conditions which affect the lower body result from some damaging process which affects the thoracic, lumbar or sacral spinal regions. The higher the condition extends, the more serious the symptoms will typically be.Paraplegia CausesParaplegic conditions can be caused by a wide range of circumstances. Some persons are born with a congenital condition, such as severe spina bifida, which can cause lower body paralysis. Many disease processes, such as Multiple Sclerosis, are also responsible for creating total or partial lower body dysfunction. Spinal cord injury due to violent trauma is a very common causation behind the loss of neurological function. Car accidents, gun shots, serious falls, violence and other scenarios can lead to life altering complete lower body paralysis if the spinal cord is severed or incomplete neurological impairment if the cord remains partially intact. Other causes of lower extremity paralysis include spinal tumors and a variety of rare, but serious disease processes.Paraplegia RisksDepending on the severity of the condition, the affected patient is exposed to a variety of elevated risks. Pressure sores are a big concern for anyone confined to a wheelchair or bed. Poor circulation typically experienced by paraplegics only makes this matter worse and can also lead to other problematic concerns, such as thrombosis and even blood clots. Pulmonary embolism is a life threatening side effect of poor blood circulation and paraplegics suffer an elevated risk of death from this particular problem. Septicemia and pneumonia are very dire conditions which attack paralyzed individuals, since their constitution is less able to fight off the effects of infection and disease. Other typical issues which affect paraplegics include: loss of bowel and/or bladder functions, loss of sexual functions, chronic constipation and the obvious restrictions on mobility.Paraplegia AdviceBeing a paraplegic does not mean that life is over. Many partially or completely paralyzed individuals lead a satisfying existence full of joy and even good health. It is crucial to remember that paraplegics do have special health requirements and must do everything in their power to maintain their bodies. Preventative care is key to leading a long and healthy life.Mobility has become far easier for paraplegics, since handicapped accessibility has become the focus of more government and private business entities. There are few places which wheelchairs can not go and most paraplegic individuals can do almost everything they require for themselves. While there is no substitute for full health and functionality, today’s partially paralyzed individuals enjoy more freedoms than ever before. Remember that life is a gift, regardless of the circumstances you must face. Keep positive mental and emotional states and your anatomy will benefit from the combined unity of mind, body and spirit.
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