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.

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.

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.