SPASTIC PARAPLEGIA Meaning and
Definition
-
Spastic paraplegia refers to a neurological condition characterized by the specific combination of spasticity and paralysis affecting the lower limbs. It is a rare disorder that can occur with varying degrees of severity and has different genetic causes. Spasticity is the term used to describe an increased muscle tone that results in stiff and tight muscles, making movement difficult. Paraplegia refers to the paralysis or loss of function in the lower extremities, including the legs and sometimes the lower trunk.
Individuals with spastic paraplegia typically experience difficulty walking due to the stiffness and tightness of their leg muscles. This condition may also cause muscle weakness, leading to reduced control and coordination of leg movements. In some cases, spastic paraplegia may be accompanied by other neurological symptoms such as sensory impairment, muscle wasting, and bladder dysfunction.
The genetic causes of spastic paraplegia are quite diverse, with more than 70 known genetic subtypes identified. Inherited as an autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, or X-linked recessive trait, this condition can manifest in both children and adults. Concerning treatment, management options usually focus on the alleviation of symptoms rather than a cure. Rehabilitative measures such as physical and occupational therapy may be recommended to improve mobility and function. Medications, such as muscle relaxants or anti-spastic drugs, can be prescribed to reduce muscle stiffness. In severe cases, surgical interventions like tendon releases or spinal decompression may be considered to improve mobility and quality of life.
-
Paresis of the lower extremities with increased irritability and spasmodic contraction of the muscles; spastic spinal paralysis, lateral sclerosis.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for SPASTIC PARAPLEGIA
- apastic paraplegia
- zpastic paraplegia
- xpastic paraplegia
- dpastic paraplegia
- epastic paraplegia
- wpastic paraplegia
- soastic paraplegia
- slastic paraplegia
- s-astic paraplegia
- s0astic paraplegia
- spzstic paraplegia
- spsstic paraplegia
- spwstic paraplegia
- spqstic paraplegia
- spaatic paraplegia
- spaztic paraplegia
- spaxtic paraplegia
- spadtic paraplegia
- spaetic paraplegia
- spawtic paraplegia
Etymology of SPASTIC PARAPLEGIA
The word "spastic paraplegia" is derived from the combination of two terms: "spastic" and "paraplegia".
1. "Spastic" comes from the Greek word "spastikos", which means "drawing, pulling, or tugging". It was used in ancient Greek to describe the stiffness or increased muscle tone seen in certain neurological conditions.
2. "Paraplegia" originates from the Greek roots "para", meaning "beside", and "plegia", meaning "stroke" or "paralysis". Paraplegia refers to the paralysis or weakness of the lower half of the body, typically involving both legs.
Therefore, the term "spastic paraplegia" describes a medical condition characterized by increased muscle tone and stiffness (spasticity) along with paralysis or weakness (paraplegia) of the lower extremities.
