Definition

Paraplegia is the term used to describe the body's loss of movement and/or feeling as a result of damage or trauma to the nervous system. The condition involves complete or partial paralysis of the legs and/or the trunk of the body, but not the arms. The location of the paralysis and the extent of the paralysis depend on the severity and location of the damage to the nervous system.

Paraplegia describes paralysis only on the lower half of the body. In patients who suffer from paralysis of the entire body, including arms, the condition is called quadriplegia .

Depending on the location and severity of the damage to the nervous system, some types of paraplegia may be reversed, and patients may resume some function. Many types of paraplegia are permanent, though.

Paraplegia

© 2009 Nucleus Medical Art, Inc.