Medicines and products for paraplegia

There is no medicine that cures paraplegia. Medicines treat the cause, ease symptoms and prevent complications. A spinal injury team or rehabilitation doctor guides them.

Treating the cause

• Spinal TB: anti-tuberculosis treatment for many months
• Infection: antibiotics, sometimes surgery
• Inflammation or autoimmune disease: steroids and other immune treatments
• Tumour: surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy

Common symptom medicines

• Spasticity: baclofen, tizanidine, diazepam, or botulinum toxin injections. Baclofen should not be stopped suddenly.
• Nerve pain: gabapentin, pregabalin, amitriptyline or duloxetine
• Bladder: drugs to relax or empty the bladder, and catheters
• Bowel: laxatives, suppositories and enemas as part of a routine
• Blood clot prevention: blood thinners or compression early after injury
• Bone health: calcium, vitamin D, and sometimes bisphosphonates
• Low blood pressure: salt, fluids, compression and sometimes medicines

Other options

Intrathecal baclofen pumps, nerve and bladder procedures, and surgery for spasticity or pressure sores.

Ayurvedic and herbal products

Oils, tonics and herbs are widely sold. None has been shown to restore spinal cord function. Some interact with medicines, and some contain heavy metals. Tell your doctor before using any.

Safety points

• Do not stop baclofen suddenly
• Report fever, burning urine or new pain at once
• Avoid products promising a cure

See a doctor if spasms, pain or bladder problems are not controlled.

Remember

Medicines manage symptoms and protect health, and rehabilitation builds function.