Paraplegia
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Learn About Paraplegia

What is the definition of Paraplegia?
Paraplegia is a paralysis which affects all or part of the lower body, the trunk, legs, and pelvic organs. Paralysis involves a loss of muscle control and can be complete or partial.  While there are different types and causes of paraplegia, the most common type is caused by spinal cord injury due to trauma (motor vehicle accidents, falls, violence, sports or recreation injuries, alcohol use, or gunshot or knife wound) that damages the spinal cord. After a traumatic spinal cord injury, additional damage often occurs over time due to bleeding, swelling, and inflammation. In contrast, non-traumatic spinal cord injury may be caused by arthritis, cancer, inflammation, infections, nerve or autoimmune diseases, polio, or disk degeneration of the spine.
What are the symptoms of Paraplegia?
Symptoms of paraplegia include loss of sensation and movement in the lower limbs, loss of bladder or bowel control, muscle spasms, changes in sexual function, and pain.
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What are the current treatments for Paraplegia?
Currently, there is no treatment available to reverse the damage to the spinal cord; however, emerging treatments are constantly being developed, such as prostheses and newer assistive technologies, including modern wheelchairs, computer adaptations, and electronic aids for daily living, electrical stimulation devices, robotic gait training, and medications that may spur nerve cell regeneration. Initial treatment after acute injury and diagnosis may include corticosteroids, immobilization, and surgery. Long term treatment is focused on rehabilitation as well as physical and occupational therapy.
Who are the top Paraplegia Local Doctors?
Advanced in Paraplegia
Internal Medicine
Advanced in Paraplegia
Internal Medicine

Patterson Primary Care Clinic

2570 Patterson Road, 
Grand Junction, CO 
Experience:
40+ years
Languages Spoken:
English
Offers Telehealth

Originally from the East Coast, Dr. Weigel spent more than 25 years in private practice in New Jersey. Dr. Weigel graduated from the medical school at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey. He completed his residency at University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. Dr. Weigel is board certified in Internal Medicine. His clinical interests are chronic disease management and preventive care. He is passionate about spending time talking and listening to his patients.“My job is to make sure my patients make informed decisions about their healthcare. I want to catch disease processes early so they can be treated more efficiently.”When not working, Dr. Weigel can be found participating in outdoor activities such as skiing, snow shoeing and hiking with his wife and their two dogs. Dr. Weigel is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Paraplegia. He is also highly rated in 38 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Glucocorticoid-Remediable Aldosteronism, Hypertension, Familial Hypertension, Ureteroscopy, and Pacemaker Implantation. Dr. Weigel is board certified in American Board Of Internal Medicine.

Elite in Paraplegia
Elite in Paraplegia
Referral may be required

Erasmus MC

Rotterdam, ZH, NL 

Giovanni Stevanin practices practicing medicine in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Mr. Stevanin is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Paraplegia. He is also highly rated in 23 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Spastic Paraplegia Type 7, Paraplegia, Spasticity, and Acute Cerebellar Ataxia.

 
 
 
 
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Elite in Paraplegia
Elite in Paraplegia
Referral may be required
Hoppe Seyler Str. 3, 
Tuebingen, BW, DE 

Rebecca Schule practices practicing medicine in Tuebingen, Germany. Ms. Schule is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Paraplegia. She is also highly rated in 23 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Spastic Paraplegia Type 7, Paraplegia, Spasticity, and Spastic Paraplegia Type 2.

What are the latest Paraplegia Clinical Trials?
Pilot Study of Tolerability and Preliminary Efficacy of Galantamine to Treat Metabolic Syndrome in People With Chronic Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)

Summary: The purpose of this research study is to measure the tolerability and preliminary efficacy of a drug, galantamine, to treat metabolic syndrome (MetS) by reducing circulating inflammation in people with spinal cord injury (SCI). Galantamine is FDA-approved for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Here, the drug is considered experimental for the purposes of this study.

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Noninvasive Spinal Cord Neuromodulation to Enhance Motor Function in Individuals With Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia

Summary: Hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) is a rare neurological condition that causes stiffness, weakness, and difficulty walking due to damage in the nerves that control movement. This study will test whether a noninvasive form of spinal cord stimulation, called transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS), can improve walking and reduce muscle stiffness in adults with HSP. In this study, participant...