PARAPLEGIA

paralysis of the legs and lower part of the body. Often it involves loss of sensation (of pain, temperature, vibration, and position) as well as loss of motion. It may also include paralysis of the bladder and bowels. Paraplegia may be caused by injury to or disease in the lower spinal cord or peripheral nerves or by such brain disorders as cerebral palsy. Some paraplegics are able to walk with the aid of braces and crutches. Quadriplegia involves paralysis of both arms and both legs. See also paralysis.