Paraplegia:
The weakness of both lower limbs is called paraplegia. It is usually due to spinal cord problem like transverse myelitis, trauma, disc herniation, cauda-equina syndrome, tumour, AV malformation etc. Also it may be due to Guillain-Barrie syndrome, decreased potassium level, Polymyositis . Certain brain causes like superior sagittal thrombosis, cerebral palsy, frontal lobe tumour can cause paraplegia.
Usually paraplegia will occur over a period of time. If the onset of paraplegia is acute, it is a neurological emergency. Vascular, demyelination and trauma to be considered and treated.
Neuro lab having facilities like nerve conduction study (NCS), electromyography (EMG), evoked potential (VEP, BAER) will be extremely useful in diagnosing and managing these patients.
Other Spinal cord related problems
- Neck pain (Cervical spondylosis )
- Back pain (Lumbar spondylosis )
- Urine control problems
- Sexual problems
- Pain in hands & legs
