Paraparesis is a neurological condition that causes weakness or partial paralysis of the lower limbs. It can be caused by genetic factors, infections, or trauma. While it cannot be cured, it can be managed with physical therapy and medication. Patients may also be eligible for government disability benefits.
Paraparesis is a neurological condition characterized by weakness or partial paralysis of the lower limbs. There are a number of causes for this condition. It usually cannot be cured, although it can be managed, and patients can receive assistance to improve their quality of life and help them maintain muscle tone in their legs. Individuals who have the condition may also be eligible for government disability benefits in recognition of the challenges they may face as a result.
One form is familial paraparesis, also known as familial spastic paraparesis or hereditary spastic paraplegia. This condition is genetic in nature and characterized by progressive nerve degeneration. Initially, the patient may experience feelings of weakness, numbness and tingling, and the condition gradually worsens over time. People with a family history of the condition can develop it and pass it on to their children.
In tropical spastic paraparesis, the condition is caused by a human t-lymphotropic virus (HTLV) infection in the spinal cord, which causes nerve damage. Even if the infection is managed, the damage will be permanent and progressive. Patients can experience an onset of symptoms up to 30 years after initial infection, meaning that people who have traveled to tropical areas may not immediately make a connection between their neurological problems and their travels, which can make the most difficult condition to diagnose and treat.
People may also experience weakness or paralysis due to nerve damage caused by trauma, as well as other types of infections in the spinal cord. Depending on the severity of the injury, the patient may be able to engage in light physical activity or may need assistive devices, such as canes, walkers or wheelchairs, to successfully navigate the world. Patients may choose to work with a physical therapist or assistive device specialist to learn about their options.
A neurologist can diagnose paraparesis, determine the cause, and offer treatment recommendations. Physical therapy may be recommended to help patients maintain muscle strength and prevent contractures that could cause pain and further disability. Medications can be used to manage symptoms, such as inflammation, which can be associated with some forms. The patient will need to participate in routine lifelong neurological examinations to monitor the progress of the condition and identify any complications that emerge before they become a serious problem. In some cases, the patient may also experience urinary or faecal incontinence, which will need to be managed.
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