Paraplegia
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Paraplegia Overview

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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?
Elite in Paraplegia
Giovanni Stevanin
Elite in Paraplegia
Giovanni Stevanin

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 Paraplegia, Spastic Paraplegia Type 7, Spasticity, and Acute Cerebellar Ataxia.

Elite in Paraplegia
Rebecca E. Schule
Elite in Paraplegia
Rebecca E. Schule
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 24 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Spastic Paraplegia Type 7, Paraplegia, Spasticity, and Spastic Paraplegia Type 2.

 
 
 
 
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Elite in Paraplegia
Ludger J. Schols
Elite in Paraplegia
Ludger J. Schols
Hoppe Seyler Str. 3, 
Tuebingen, BW, DE 

Ludger Schols practices practicing medicine in Tuebingen, Germany. Mr. Schols is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Paraplegia. He is also highly rated in 54 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Paraplegia, Spastic Paraplegia Type 7, Spasticity, and Drug Induced Dyskinesia.

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What are the latest Paraplegia Clinical Trials?
Improving Manual Wheelchair Skills Through Remote Training
Improving Manual Wheelchair Skills Through Remote Training
Enrollment Status: Recruiting
Publish Date: April 14, 2026
Intervention Type: Other
Study Phase: Not Applicable

Summary: The objective of this study is to determine the effectiveness of remote manual wheelchair skills training program. First, peer coaches will be enrolled and trained. Then, trainees will be enrolled into one of three interventions: intervention with remote feedback (Group 1), and a wait list control group (Group 2).

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Epidural Stimulation for Spinal Cord Injury
Epidural Stimulation for Spinal Cord Injury
Enrollment Status: Recruiting
Publish Date: April 08, 2026
Intervention Type: Device
Study Phase: Not Applicable

Summary: This study will evaluate a method to optimize parameter settings in epidural spinal cord stimulation used to recover lower extremity volitional movement. The study will also characterize improvement in autonomic function (such as blood pressure control) and other functions related to spinal cord injury.

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