Traumatic Paraplegia
Definition
Traumatic paraplegia is a medical condition characterized by the loss of motor and sensory function in the lower extremities due to a traumatic injury to the spinal cord.
Types
- Complete Paraplegia: Loss of all motor and sensory function below the level of the injury.
- Incomplete Paraplegia: Preservation of some motor or sensory function below the level of the injury.
Causes
- Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) due to trauma: Falls, motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries, and violence.
- Other causes: Infections, tumors, and vascular disorders.
Clinical Features
- Motor Loss: Weakness or paralysis of the lower extremities.
- Sensory Loss: Loss of sensation below the level of the injury.
- Autonomic Dysfunction: Bladder and bowel dysfunction, sexual dysfunction, and cardiovascular instability.
- Complications: Pressure sores, respiratory infections, and urinary tract infections.
Investigations
- X-rays: To rule out fractures and dislocations.
- Computed Tomography (CT) scan: To confirm the level and extent of the injury.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): To evaluate the spinal cord and surrounding structures.
Initial Emergency Management
- Spinal Immobilization: To prevent further injury to the spinal cord.
- Prevention of Secondary Injury: To prevent complications such as respiratory failure and cardiac arrest.
Definitive Treatment Options
- Surgery: To stabilize the spine and remove any compressive lesions.
- Physical Therapy: To maintain muscle strength and prevent contractures.
- Rehabilitation: To improve functional outcomes and enhance quality of life.
Long-term Complications
- Pressure Sores: Skin breakdown and infection due to prolonged immobility.
- Respiratory Infections: Pneumonia and other respiratory infections due to impaired respiratory function.
- Urinary Tract Infections: Infections of the urinary tract due to impaired bladder function.
Clinical Examination
- Neurological Assessment: To evaluate motor and sensory function.
- Reflexes: To evaluate the integrity of the reflex arc.
- Autonomic Function: To evaluate bladder and bowel function.
Homoeopathic Therapeutics for Traumatic Paraplegia
- Aconitum: For acute trauma and shock.
- Arnica: For pain and inflammation.
- Hypericum: For nerve pain and numbness.
- Rhus toxicodendron: For stiffness and limited mobility.
- Lachesis: For autonomic dysfunction and circulatory problems.
Homoeopathic Medicines
- Aconitum: 30C, 6 times a day.
- Arnica: 30C, 6 times a day.
- Hypericum: 30C, 6 times a day.
- Rhus toxicodendron: 30C, 6 times a day.
- Lachesis: 30C, 6 times a day.