What is Paraplegia?
Paraplegia is a neurological condition characterized by the loss of movement and/or sensation in the lower body, most commonly due to spinal cord injury or disease. The key to managing paraplegia is a comprehensive approach: early diagnosis, multidisciplinary rehabilitation, complication prevention, and lifelong neurologic follow-up. At South Miami Neurology, our team of seven board-certified neurologists delivers this kind of care, offering you a trusted partner on your journey toward functional improvement and quality of life.
Causes of Paraplegia
At South Miami Neurology, our team treats paraplegia arising from a variety of causes. Some of the most common include:
• Spinal cord injury (traumatic): Motor vehicle collisions, falls, diving injuries, or penetrating traumas (gunshots, stabbings) can damage the spinal cord or vertebrae, disrupting nerve signals.
• Non-traumatic spinal cord injury: Conditions such as spinal tumors, infections, inflammation (e.g., transverse myelitis), or vascular events (spinal cord ischemia) may lead to paraplegia.
• Congenital or hereditary causes: Some individuals may experience paraplegia due to genetic disorders (e.g., hereditary spastic paraplegia) or congenital spinal malformations.
• Other neurological disorders: Diseases affecting the spinal cord’s ability to transmit signals (e.g., multiple sclerosis) can also produce paraplegia.
Symptoms Associated with Paraplegia
When nerve pathways are compromised at or below the level of the injury or lesion, a few symptoms may arise:
• Loss of voluntary movement in the legs, hips, and sometimes lower trunk.
• Loss or alteration of sensation (touch, pain, temperature) below the injury level.
• Impaired bladder, bowel, and sexual function, especially when the spinal cord segments that control these are involved.
• Spasticity (increased muscle tone) or flaccidity (reduced tone), depending on injury type and level.
• Secondary complications: pressure ulcers, recurrent urinary tract infections, muscle atrophy, changes in blood pressure regulation (e.g., autonomic dysreflexia), especially for high-level lesions.
Is Paraplegia a Neuromuscular Condition?
While paraplegia affects the muscles and mobility of the lower body, it is not classified as a neuromuscular disorder. Instead, paraplegia is considered a neurological condition because it results from damage to the central nervous system (CNS), specifically, the spinal cord.
Neuromuscular disorders involve diseases that directly affect the peripheral nerves, neuromuscular junction, or muscles themselves, such as Myasthenia Gravis, Muscular Dystrophy, and Peripheral Neuropathy. In contrast, paraplegia occurs when nerve signals from the brain are disrupted before they reach the peripheral nerves, typically due to spinal cord injury or disease.
Even though paraplegia is not a neuromuscular condition, patients often experience secondary muscle symptoms such as weakness, stiffness (spasticity), or atrophy due to a lack of nerve stimulation. For this reason, paraplegia is best managed by neurologists, like those at South Miami Neurology, who specialize in both central and peripheral nervous system disorders and work closely with rehabilitation specialists to help patients regain as much function and independence as possible.
South Miami Neurology Treatment Options
At South Miami Neurology, our seven board-certified neurologists collaborate to deliver comprehensive, patient-centered care across the spectrum of neurologic conditions — including paraplegia. Our team includes:
• Dyanet Alvarez, MD
• Victor Barredo, MD
• Christopher Jimenez, MD
• Bruce Kohrman, MD
• Javier Lopez, MD
• Ajay Pandey, MD
• Simon Starosta-Rubinstein, MD
How Our Neurologists Care for Paraplegia
1. Early intervention & diagnostics
When spinal cord injury or neurological disease causes paralysis, rapid evaluation is key. Our neurologists employ advanced neurodiagnostic testing (EMG/NCV, imaging) and closely coordinate with spinal injury rehabilitation specialists to optimize outcomes.
2. Multidisciplinary rehabilitation
Paraplegia treatment relies heavily on rehabilitation: physical therapy to maintain muscle strength and flexibility, occupational therapy to maximize daily-function and adaptive strategies. At South Miami Neurology, we ensure patients receive integrated care for mobility, assistive device recommendations (wheelchairs, orthoses), and training for bladder & bowel management.
3. Addressing complications & supporting quality of life
Our team helps prevent and treat secondary issues that often accompany paraplegia: spasticity, pain, ulcers, urinary complications, and emotional health. Our neurologists regularly monitor these risks and provide tailored interventions.
4. Long-term management and support
Because paraplegia often requires lifelong adaptation, we emphasize ongoing neurological follow-up at South Miami Neurology to review changing needs, optimize therapies, modify assistive technologies, and support patient independence.
Why Choose South Miami Neurology?
When you or a loved one faces paraplegia, choosing a provider with broad neurologic expertise and a dedicated team matters.
Here’s why South Miami Neurology stands out:
• Our practice is built around seven board-certified neurologists, each with deep experience across neuromuscular disorders, spinal cord injury, and neurorehabilitation.
• We offer comprehensive neurological care, not just one-time visits. From diagnostics through long-term follow-up, we are with our patients every step of the way.
• Located in South Florida at 7000 SW 62nd Avenue, Suite 300, South Miami, FL 33143, we are conveniently accessible to patients throughout the region.
Empowering Neurology Patients & Families
Paraplegia presents significant life changes, but with expert neurological care, rehabilitation, and adaptive strategies, many patients lead full, meaningful lives. At South Miami Neurology, we are partnering with you to:
• Set realistic goals for mobility, independence, and daily living
• Coordinate therapies that align with your unique injury, level, and function
• Guide you in navigating adaptive equipment, home modifications, and wellness strategies
• Provide ongoing support for you and your family—both physically and emotionally
By choosing expert neurologic care early, you and your neurologist at South Miami Neurology can work together to optimize recovery, adapt to new challenges, and maintain independence from paraplegia.
Paraplegia is paralysis that primarily affects the lower half of the body, especially the legs, while sparing the arms. It typically occurs when nerve signals travelling through the spinal cord are interrupted. Unlike quadriplegia (which involves all four limbs), paraplegia limits control or sensation below a certain level of injury or neurological dysfunction.
If you or a loved one is dealing with paraplegia or experiencing symptoms such as sudden leg weakness, loss of sensation, bladder or bowel dysfunction, or changes in mobility, please call South Miami Neurology at 305-665-6501 to schedule a consultation with our neurology specialists. We’re here to help you understand your condition, explore treatment options, and design a personalized plan for your best possible outcome.