Does paraplegic mean paralyzed?

Paraplegia refers to complete or partial paralysis in both legs and, in some people, parts of the lower abdomen. People sometimes use the term “paraplegia” interchangeably with “paraparesis,” which is partial paralysis in the lower body due to muscle weakness and stiffness.

What defines paraplegic?

Paraplegia is a term used to describe the inability to voluntarily move the lower parts of the body. The areas of impaired mobility usually include the toes, feet, legs, and may or may not include the abdomen. Picture: A person with a complete T12 level of injury is paralyzed from the waist down.

What is the difference between paraplegic and paralysis?

Paraplegia refers to the loss of movement and sensation in both legs and, sometimes, part of the lower abdomen. Quadriplegia affects all four limbs and, sometimes, parts of the chest, abdomen, and back. Both are forms of paralysis that often result from injury to the spinal cord.

What is quadriplegia paralysis?

Quadriplegia, also known as tetraplegia, is a form of paralysis that affects all four limbs, plus the torso (“quad” originates from the Latin word for four). Most people with tetraplegia have significant paralysis below the neck, and many are completely unable to move.

Can a paraplegic get pregnant?

Having a spinal cord injury (SCI) does not affect your ability to naturally become pregnant, carry, and deliver a baby, so your decision to have children is made in much the same way as anyone else.

How do paraplegics pee?

Life without bladder control People living with spinal cord injuries empty their bladders with the assistance of a narrow tube called a catheter. The device is slid into the bladder several times throughout the day to drain urine from the body.

What are the different types of paralysis?

There are two different types of paralysis (SCI). The two types, Spastic Paralysis and Flaccid Paralysis. The big difference between the different types of paralysis lies in spasms. People with Spastic Paralysis have spasms and active motoric nerve tissue.

What are paraplegia and quadriplegia injuries?

Paraplegia is a paralysis of the legs . Quadriplegia is the paralysis of the legs and arms. Both conditions are typically the result of injuries or diseases affecting the brain and spinal cord.

What is spastic paraplegia?

Spastic paraplegia is a form of paraplegia defined by spasticity of the affected muscles, rather than flaccid paralysis. The American Spinal Injury Association classifies spinal cord injury severity. ASIA A being the complete loss of sensory function and motor skills below the injury.

Can a paraplegia patient walk?

While the stereotype of a paraplegic is of someone in a wheelchair who cannot move his or her arms or legs, cannot feel anything below the level of injury, and cannot walk , paraplegics actually have a range of capabilities that may change over time, both as their health evolves and their physical therapy helps them learn to work around their injuries.