Etymed
paraplegia
Definition
paralysis of the lower limbs
Clinical context
A 28-year-old man presents to the emergency department after a motorcycle accident with complete loss of motor function in both legs below the umbilical level. On examination, he has no voluntary movement or sensation below T12. His lower extremities are flaccid with absent reflexes. MRI of the spine reveals a compression fracture at T10 with spinal cord contusion. He is diagnosed with paraplegia secondary to thoracic spinal cord injury.
Mnemonic
PARAPLEGIA - Paralysis of the lower limbs = PAralysis of the LOWER limbs