Paraplegia is a condition often caused by traumatic injury to the spinal cord. This could happen in a car accident, a slip and fall, a swimming accident – there are countless ways someone could sustain an injury to their spinal column. If that injury was sustained at the fault of another, patients diagnosed with paraplegia may have legal recourse to recover financial compensation.
What does it mean to be paraplegic?
If someone says a person is paraplegic, this means that they have an impairment in the sensory function of their lower extremities. This differs from a quadriplegic, who suffers from impaired sensory function of all their extremities. People who have paraplegia have usually suffered injury to the thoracic, lumbar, or sacral regions of their spinal canal. Paraplegia should not be confused with hemiplegia, which is paralysis of just one side of the body.
Spasticity and Spinal Cord Injury
One possible cause of spasticity is spinal cord injury. Spasticity affects more than 12 million people around the world, and is a condition that causes certain muscles in the body to contract. The stiffness in certain muscles can impede a person’s movement and even their speech. Not only this, but it can actually have a negative effect on a person’s muscles and joints. People diagnosed with spasticity after a spinal cord injury may be labeled as having spastic paraplegia. Learn more about spasticity from the American Association of Neurological Surgeons.
Can paraplegia be treated?
It is possible for rehabilitation to help people with paraplegia. For example, paraplegics can attend physical therapy in the hopes of regaining some functionality and independence. Complete recovery is rare though, which is why treatment is focused on helping paraplegics improve how they function in their daily lives.
Contacting a Houston Personal Injury Attorney
Bailey Cowan Heckaman PLLC is a trial law firm that represents clients throughout the United States. We are based in Houston, and have extensive experience representing plaintiffs in serious injury and disability-related cases. If you were harmed by the negligence of another, we invite you to contact our Houston personal injury lawyers today for a free review of your legal rights and options.
