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Symptoms
Symptoms will depend on how much of the spinal cord is involved. By definition, paraplegia only occurs in people who have lower spinal cord involvement. Symptoms include:
- Loss of movement or muscle control in the legs, feet, toes, or trunk
- Loss of sensation in the legs, feet, toes, or trunk
- Tingling in the legs, feet, toes, or trunk
- Loss of bowel and bladder control
- Sexual dysfunction
Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam.
Most often, neurosurgeons, orthopedists and neurologists are involved in diagnosis after a paralytic injury has occurred.
Tests may include the following:
- CT scan —a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of structures inside the body, in this case the head or spine
- MRI scan —a test that uses magnetic waves to make pictures of structures inside the body, in this case the head or spine
- Myelography —a type of x-ray that uses an injection of a contrast medium to view the spinal cord
- Blood tests, including complete blood count (CBC)
- Evoked potential nerve tests
- Lumbar puncture to obtain spinal fluid for diagnostic testing