Paraplegia Symptoms & Diagnosis

Symptoms

Symptoms will depend on how much of the spinal cord is involved. By definition, paraplegia only occurs in people who have lower spinal cord involvement. Symptoms include:

• Loss of movement or muscle control in the legs, feet, toes, or trunk
• Loss of sensation in the legs, feet, toes, or trunk
• Tingling in the legs, feet, toes, or trunk
• Loss of bowel and bladder control
• Sexual dysfunction

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam.

Most often, neurosurgeons, orthopedists and neurologists are involved in diagnosis after a paralytic injury has occurred.

Tests may include the following:

• CT scan —a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of structures inside the body, in this case the head or spine
• MRI scan —a test that uses magnetic waves to make pictures of structures inside the body, in this case the head or spine
• Myelography —a type of x-ray that uses an injection of a contrast medium to view the spinal cord
• Blood tests, including complete blood count (CBC)
• Evoked potential nerve tests
• Lumbar puncture to obtain spinal fluid for diagnostic testing