Paraplegia

Complete symmetric paralysis of legs

Related to Paraparesis

Clinic

• Paraplegia, or paraparesis, is an impairment in motor or sensory function of the lower extremities.
• Caused by spinal cord injury or a congenital condition that affects brain elements of the spinal canal.
• The area of the spinal canal that is affected in paraplegia is either the thoracic, lumbar, or sacral regions.
• If four limbs are affected by paralysis, tetraplegia or quadriplegia is the correct term.
• If only one limb is affected, the correct term is monoplegia.
• Spastic paraplegia is a form of paraplegia defined by spasticity of the affected muscles, rather than flaccid paralysis.