Your Notifications
All done, no notifications

What is Paraplegia?

The paralysis condition known as paraplegia primarily affects the legs, while it can also occasionally impact the lower body and some arm functions. Injuries to the neurological system, particularly the spinal cord, are the most common cause of this, but a number of illnesses and ailments can also cause it.

What can I expect if my son has Paraplegia?

Your son might need a wheelchair for mobility and help walking because paraplegia mostly affects the legs, resulting in paralysis and loss of sensation. Common management techniques for bladder and bowel control issues include catheterization and bowel regimes. Your son may need pain medication and management strategies to deal with persistent pain, depending on the severity of the injury. Prolonged use of a wheelchair might cause pressure sores in your youngster. Your son, to handle the circumstance, could require psychological support.

What are the Common Symptoms of Paraplegia?

Symptoms of paraplegia include the following:

  • Loss of mobility
  • Loss or shift in the senses of touch, heat, and cold
  • Loss of control over the bladder or bowels
  • Excessive spasms or reflex actions
  • Alterations in fertility, sexual sensitivity, and sexual function
  • Damage to the spinal cord's nerve fibers can result in pain or a sharp stinging sensation
  • Difficulty coughing, breathing, or removing secretions from the lungs

Causes, Risk Factors and Complications of Paraplegia.

CausesThe most frequent cause of paraplegia is spinal cord damage. There are numerous ways in which those injuries can occur. The most typical explanations are”

  • Collisions involving motor vehicles • Penetration injuries, particularly from stab or bullet wounds
  • Falls, particularly in elderly people with diseases like osteoporosis or osteopenia that affect bone density.

Other common causes of paraplegia include:

  • Cancers and other spine tumors. This can include cancer that grows on or near your spinal cord, or that begins elsewhere in your body and moves to your spine
  • Syringomyelia, or cysts or fluid-filled cavities within your spinal cord
  • Infections that target or compress your spinal cord
  • Ischemia, or lack of blood flow, brought on by a ruptured or blocked blood vessel
  • Nerve damage from diabetes
  • Congenital diseases, such as myelomeningocele or spina bifida, are disorders of the spine or spinal cord that affect a person from birth
  • Birth injuries or very early childhood injuries that result in diseases like cerebral palsy
  • Inflammatory or autoimmune diseases such as transverse myelitis, multiple sclerosis, or Guillain-Barré syndrome
  • Genetic disorders such as hereditary spastic paraplegia

Risk FactorsParticipating in high-impact activities like football or wrestling; gymnastics, diving, or surfing; having a family history of a neurological disorder; or having a history of cancer

Complications

Because the nerve that gives the brain control over bladder control is destroyed, paraplegics have reduced bladder control. The health and well-being of a paraplegic are at risk due to their loss of mobility and physical exercise. It takes into account maintaining general health, fitness, and muscle tone. Injuries to the spinal cord can impact sexual function. Males may have trouble ejaculating and getting an erection. In general, women struggle with lubrication. It is not unusual to experience persistent nerve pain in the vicinity of the damage site. People with partial paraplegia are most likely to experience chronic nerve pain. Other nerve-related issues can and do happen since paraplegia is typically caused by a traumatic lesion to the spinal cord tissue and the inflammation that follows.

Connect with our advisor for a PRIORITY response

Latest Research and Technologies in the Treatment of Paraplegia in India.

In addition to axonal regeneration, remyelination, and neuronal plasticity of the damaged spinal cord, care and rehabilitation techniques for paraplegia have greatly improved in recent years. There is currently no particular and comprehensive treatment for paraplegia in humans, despite the fact that the majority of current research and therapeutic advancements have been accomplished in animal models. Because of the inherent complexity of the nervous system and the anatomical, cellular, molecular, and biochemical features of spinal cord damage, this complication has not been treated.

Paraplegia Prevention Tips

Unfortunately, unavoidable conditions and accidents account for the majority of paraplegia occurrences. By practicing safe driving, you can lower your chance of getting into an accident. However, preventing every injury and eliminating the possibility of paraplegia is impossible.

Treatment options for Paraplegia

Spinal Fusion Surgery: Spinal fusion is the treatment option for paraplegia. Surgery to join two or more vertebrae in your spine is called spinal fusion. Our body is held upright by the interlocking column of these ring-shaped bones. Combining them can strengthen the structure of our back. Spinal fusion surgery is performed by a variety of surgeon types. Depending on patient particular demands and the underlying problem, both neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons can do these. Alternative therapies can occasionally be safer or more successful than surgery. However, spinal fusion might be the best option for certain individuals.


Cost Start From USD 6500 - USD 9500Explore Options

A doctor will evaluate the patient's symptoms and medical history in order to diagnose paraplegia. Inquiries concerning recent mishaps and whether a person has a family history of a certain condition may also be made. Finding the etiology of paraplegia is crucial in order to choose the best course of action.

  • Medical imaging is typically used to diagnose paraplegia. These tests aid medical professionals in determining the origin of paralysis and evaluating the extent of damage. For instance, they may employ an X-ray, CT, or MRI scan
  • The doctor may employ electromyography to examine nerve function. This test gauges how the body reacts when muscles are stimulated.

Paraplegics typically collaborate with a diverse team of medical professionals to help them manage any potential consequences. Physiotherapists, occupational therapists, physicians, nutritionists, and psychologists are a few examples of this. It can be difficult for a person to manage the emotional and mental changes in their life brought on by paraplegia. The transition may be even more challenging to handle if there are extra issues and symptoms, such pain. Psychologists, psychiatrists, and other support groups can help paraplegics and their loved ones deal with their sadness and distress symptoms.

Treatment for paraplegia is complicated. In addition to the initial injury, a series of secondary conditions could appear soon after or later. Both the initial injury and subsequent diseases may be treated with drugs and treatments. Doctors may recommend certain drugs. For instance, using drugs that relax muscles can help with discomfort or spasms. Blood clot risk can be decreased by taking blood thinners.

Instantly Connect with our Specialists

Doctor 1
Doctor 2
Doctor 3
Doctor 4
Doctor 5
Doctor 6
Doctor 7
Doctor 8

Hospitals for Paraplegia in India

Dr. Rela Institute and Medical Centre: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Dr. Rela Institute and Medical Centre

Chennai, India

The mega-structure of RIMC serves as a hospital as well as an educational institute. Hence, it offers a huge array of medical services and facilities to cater to the needs of its patients.

Fertility Services - RIMC specializes in both male and female fertility and in procedures like IntraCytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), Uterine Transplants, Preimplantation genetics and Laser Assisted Hatching (LAH).

Anaesthesia and ICU - The ICU rooms in RIMC are equipped to serve the individual needs of every patient. They boast the largest liver transplant ICU in India and a specific ICU dedicated to pediatrics multi-organ transplants.

Radiology and Imaging Sciences - RIMC has the infrastructure to support high-quality scans including 128 Slice CT, Cardiac MRI, and 3 Tesla MRIs.

Blood Bank and Transfusion Medicine - RIMC has an active blood bank system with facilities dedicated to Blood Component Separation and Therapy. They use high-end technology like the Automated 1H500 Analyser and have a separate Therapeutic Apheresis Unit.

Advanced Endoscopy - Dr. Rela Institute and Medical Centre has one of the most advanced hospital facilities with an individual healthcare unit specifically dedicated to Endoscopy. Advanced procedures like Spyglass Cholangioscopy, Laser therapy, Endoscopic Ultrasound, Capsule Endoscopy, and special ERCP and EUS Suite.

Some of the other healthcare facilities, departments, and services offered by Dr. Rela Institute and Medical Healthcare are listed below:

  • Orthopaedics
  • Obstetrics and Gynaecology
  • Reproductive Medicine
  • Hepatology
  • Cardiology
  • Internal Medicine and Diabetology
  • Advanced Paediatrics
  • Ear Nose and Throat 
  • Emergency Medicine
  • Interventional Radiology and Imaging Services
  • Neonatology
  • Neurology
  • Liver Disease and Transplantation
  • Gastroenterology
  • Medical Oncology
  • Nephrology
  • Neonatology
  • Pathology
  • Ophthalmology
  • Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
  • Radiation Oncology
  • Pulmonary Medicine
  • Urology
  • Surgical Oncology
  • Transfusion Medicine

Apart from these facilities, Dr. Rela Institute and Medical Centre also have a preventive health check lounge, 72 consultation suites, and 360 degrees including lab facilities specifically for outpatients. 

Visit Dr. Rela Institute and Medical Centre in Chromepet, Chennai today and find the best care for you and your loved ones.

Srikara Hospital, RTC Cross Roads: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Srikara Hospital, RTC Cross Roads

Hyderabad, India

Srikara Group of Hospitals is an 850-Bedded Tertiary Care healthcare facility, spread over 7 branches and two states in Southern India. 6 out of these 7 branches are situated in the twin city of Hyderabad- Secunderabad and 1 branch is at Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh. As the ultimate combination of benefits a hospital can provide, Srikara Ortho & Multi-Specialty Hospitals represents the infusion of quality, knowledge, technical proficiency, international standards, compassion, and reasonably priced care. Srikara Hospital is known for its excellence in Orthopedic as well as Neuro-Spine Surgeries. With top-of-the-chart technical proficiency, quality, and skills; Srikara is the destination of choice for patients from not only India but across the globe. Srikara Hospitals are the pioneers in doing Robotics-assisted Joint Replacements in Southern India. These hospitals have been using technologies like Computer Navigation and I-Suite theaters since their inception. Three of its 7 branches offer minimally Invasive Spine surgeries done with the use of top quality Operating microscopes. For patients from other countries seeking treatment at its facilities, Srikara has established a separate unit. By partnering with hospitals and institutions that share its commitment to and passion for ‘Patient Care’, it now hopes to expand its surgical expertise throughout the country and the world.

International quality care at affordable prices is what the Srikara Group of Hospitals strives for. The quality & compassion in care can be bought in only by the human skills behind world-class technology. Rich in human skills & experience, the team of doctors at Srikara Hospitals is decorated with a collective experience of more than 23000 Knee Replacement Surgeries over a period of two decades. 5000+ of these Knee Replacements were Robotic-assisted Knee Replacement surgeries. The team of surgeons and the Sports Medicine Unit at SRIKARA Group of Hospitals hold experience in doing more than 5500 Knee Ligament surgeries. The team of Neuro-spine surgeons holds a collective experience of 11+ years and offers various surgical remedies with and without the assistance of an Operating Microscope. Srikara Group of Hospitals offers a wide array of specialties like Orthopaedics, Neuro-spine, Urology, Laparoscopy, Cardiology, Cosmetic Surgery, etc. with the help of nationally and internationally acclaimed doctors.

To expand their healthcare services globally and for the ease of their patients, the doctors at Srikara Group of Hospitals are also providing Online Consultations to individuals who are unable to visit in person but are in need of medical attention. Srikara Group of Hospitals looks forward to continuing to cater to its domestic as well as overseas patients with compassion and evidence-based healthcare services. All the hospitals of Srikara Group are built in accordance to provide relaxing, serene surroundings, greenery, and a hygienic setting to the patients & visitors. With a large influx of people seeking the best care and facilities in Hyderabad, it is well renowned for its dedication to providing unique and evidence-based healthcare services.

Global Health City: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Global Health City

Chennai, India

The Hospital has world-class infrastructure with a capacity of over 1000 beds and much more-

  • 265 Licensed beds
  • 13 Operation Theatres
  • 24*7 Cath Lab
  • 24*7 available Blood Bank
  • 24*7 Emergency Department
  • 24*7 Open Pharmacy

Our Services to better your experience

Opinion & Option

We submit the most accurate opinion and options from one or more countries for your review

Consult Privately

Consult with a certified specialist privately on our telemedicine platform even before you decide to travel

Logistics

We handle flights, visas, transfers, and accommodation—so you can focus on your health.

Recovery

Our In-house rehabilitation service packages to better your recovery and treatment outcome

Why Choose India for Paraplegia Treatment?

Here are some of the reasons for choosing India:

Due to advancements in medical facilities, such as minimally invasive surgical techniques.

  • World-class experts include highly experienced doctors, JCI, and NABH-accredited healthcare institutions.
  • Compared to other countries, treatment in Indian hospitals is cost-effective.
  • Indian hospitals provide international patient services, including a multilingual support system
  • Improved treatment methods and biological therapies

Frequently Asked Questions

There is no treatment for paraplegia. However, the symptoms can be lessened or controlled to certain extent depending on which part of the spinal cord has been injured.

As there is currently no permanent cure for paraplegia, treatment plans will depend on the severity of the injury and the underlying cause, with a strong emphasis on rehabilitation and assistive technology to maximize functionality. In India, paraplegia treatment primarily focuses on managing symptoms and improving quality of life through medication, physical therapy, surgery in certain cases, and managing secondary complications like bladder and bowel issues.

Yes, many Indian hospitals offer the following for paraplegias treatment:

  • Advanced diagnostic tools like MRI, CT scan, electromyography, and PET scan for accurate neurofibroma diagnosis.
  • Skilled neurologist, oncologist and surgeons for paraplegias.
  • Advanced radiation therapy and chemotherapy procedures.
  • Comprehensive post-surgery care and rehabilitation for long-term health benefit.

Always consider the following factors when selecting Indian hospitals:

  • Hospitals that are accredited (authorised by JCI and NABH).
  • Patient reviews and success rates.
  • Hospitals that provide seamless care to patients from abroad.

In general, Paraplegias treatment has much improved in India. The survival rate for paraplegias is close to 90%, which is similar to the global average. Children with NF1 and those who are older do better. Less than 5% of people will become completely blind. However, the tumor may cause some kids to lose their peripheral vision.

If your son has reduced or no lower body sensation, severe weakness in his legs, or complete loss of mobility in his legs, he may have paraplegia. A correct diagnosis, however, requires a physician's assessment, which includes a physical examination and imaging tests like an MRI to look for any spinal cord damage.

Loss of limb mobility, necessitating the use of wheelchairs or other assistive equipment for mobility, is the most notable long-term consequence. Frequent UTIs and the requirement for catheterization might result from issues with bladder and bowel control. Long periods of sitting or laying in one position can cause bedsores, particularly if appropriate pressure release procedures are not applied. For those with paraplegia, chronic discomfort, such as neuropathic pain and muscular spasms, can be a major problem. Damage to the nerves frequently results in changes in sexual function and sensitivity. Because paraplegia causes major lifestyle changes and challenges, depression and anxiety are common. Because paraplegics are less able to bear weight, they are more susceptible to osteoporosis.

Improper movement of a person who may have suffered a spinal cord injury might result in irreversible harm. Therefore, if someone has a suspected spinal cord injury, only qualified specialists should relocate them. This rule only applies if the person is in imminent danger if you don't move them, like in the event of a car accident where the vehicle is crushed.

For already diagnosed paraplegic patient one has to prioritize preventing bed sores by changing the parent's position frequently, keeping them clean, helping them with everyday tasks like eating, dressing, and using the restroom, making sure the catheter is properly cared for if necessary, making the home accessible, promoting wheelchair mobility, and offering emotional support while keeping a close eye on their health and seeking medical help when needed.

Author

Tanya Bose
Tanya Bose

MSc Biotechnology

4 Years of Experience

Tanya Bose is a medical content specialist with a strong medical background. She has completed her Bachelor's and Master’s in Biotechnology from Amity University. With a deep understanding of biomedical sciences and research, she develops authoritative and patient-focused medical content covering treatments, surgical procedures, and healthcare innovations. Her writing emphasizes accuracy, clarity, and evidence-based information to help readers better understand complex medical topics. She is dedicated to improving patient awareness and supporting informed healthcare decisions by delivering trustworthy medical insights in a clear and accessible format. View More

Reviewer

Dr Sonal Gupta
Dr Sonal Gupta

Neurosurgeon

29 Years of Experience

Dr. Sonal Gupta has an experienced neurosurgeon with more than 29+ years of clinical expertise. She is currently the Director, Neuro & Spine Surgery at Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh. Before joining Fortis, she has been associated with various organizations such as Maharaja Agrasen Hospital, Action Balaji Hospital, and Max Hospital. View More

Last Reviewed - January 2026