Paraplegia

Cause

This can occur after a trauma in which the spine is broken or with severe wear and tear causing a narrowing at the level of the spinal canal. In addition, a spinal cord injury in cancer patients can be caused by bone metastases at the level of the vertebrae.

In addition to limb paralysis, problems with urination, defecation and sexual intercourse may occur. Sometimes a feeding tube may be required.

Treatment

Treatment consists mainly of intensive rehabilitation in order to improve the symptoms so that self-reliance begins to increase. At the start of rehabilitation, a treatment plan will be drawn up according to your needs. A multidisciplinary team is at your service. Together with you we will look for the right tools, you will be taught compensation techniques and we will look at reintegration in the areas of living, work and leisure.

In addition, the following topics may be addressed:

• good sitting posture
• positioning of the limbs in the wheelchair, in bed, etc.
• preventing bedsores
• mood problems
• preventing muscle shortening
• keeping joints healthy and mobile
• train muscle strength
• improve breathing
• motor problems (stepping, standing, balance)
• stimulate feeling
• relieve pain
• appropriate diet
• ...

Want to know more about your rehabilitation?

Paraplegic rehabilitation is part of the neurological rehabilitation program.

Neurological rehabilitation