Types of paraplegia

Paraplegia is described by how much of the cord is injured, where, and what the muscles are doing.

By completeness

• Complete paraplegia: no movement or feeling below the injury level
• Incomplete paraplegia: some movement or feeling remains. Recovery is more likely, and the pattern differs, for example the cord's centre, front or one side may be affected.

By level of injury

• Thoracic (T2 to T12): legs and trunk affected, arms normal
• Lumbar and sacral: legs, bladder, bowel and sexual function, with less trunk involvement

By muscle tone

• Spastic paraplegia: stiff, tight muscles and spasms, from upper motor neuron damage
• Flaccid paraplegia: weak, floppy muscles, from lower motor neuron or cauda equina damage

By cause

• Traumatic: accidents and falls
• Non-traumatic: infection, tumour, inflammation, vascular, and degenerative causes
• Hereditary spastic paraplegia: an inherited, slowly progressive form
• Tropical spastic paraparesis: seen in some regions

Paraparesis

Partial weakness in both legs rather than complete loss of movement.

Ayurvedic view

Ayurveda describes limb paralysis under Vata disorders without the same classification. This is an interpretive framework.

Classification used by doctors

The ASIA (American Spinal Injury Association) scale grades injury from A (complete) to E (normal).

See a doctor if you have weakness in both legs. A scan and neurological exam are needed.

Remember

The type decides the rehabilitation plan. Level and completeness are assessed by specialist teams.