What’s the difference between paralysis and paraplegia?

Paralysis is a general term that refers to the loss of muscle function in part of your body. It can be partial or complete, temporary or permanent, and it can affect one area (like a limb) or more extensive parts of the body.

Paraplegia is a specific type of paralysis that affects the lower half of the body – usually both legs and sometimes part of the lower trunk. It typically results from spinal cord injuries or conditions affecting the thoracic, lumbar, or sacral regions of the spine.

Essentially, paraplegia is a form of paralysis, but not all paralysis is paraplegia – it could also be hemiplegia (one side of the body), quadriplegia (all four limbs), or localized to just one limb.

What causes paralysis and paraplegia in a medical setting?

Paralysis occurs when the nervous system (most often the spinal cord or brain) is damaged, preventing signals from reaching the muscles. In the medical malpractice context, paralysis or paraplegia is caused when a healthcare provider fails to meet the standard of care by ignoring symptoms, making a surgical mistake, or delaying necessary treatment:

• Surgical Errors: Mistakes during spinal, neurological, or vascular surgery that damage the nerve or spinal cord, wrong-site area operation and timely post-operative care can lead to nerve or spinal cord damage.
• Anesthesia and Intubation Complications: Improper intubation or oxygen deprivation to the brain and spinal cord during anesthesia can result in permanent brain or spinal cord injury.
• Missed or Delayed Diagnosis: Timing is everything. Any delay in diagnosis, treatment, or care management can cause irreversible damage to the nervous system, resulting in paralysis or paraplegia. This includes delayed treatment of stroke or meningitis, requesting scans, or improper equipment usage.
• Spinal Cord Injury: Failure to diagnose or treat spinal cord compression from a tumor, abscess, or disc issue can result in permanent loss of movement.
• Birth Injuries: Nerve or spinal damage during labor and delivery can cause paralysis or brachial plexus in infants from improper equipment usage, failure to address fetal distress or delays in performing a C-section.

Keep in mind that every state has a deadline for filing a complaint. With narrow exceptions, Georgia requires filing within two years after the alleged negligence harmed the patient.

What are the signs of paralysis or paraplegia?

Paralysis can affect different parts of the body depending on where the injury occurred. Symptoms often include:

• Inability to move the arms, legs, or both
• Loss of sensation (touch, pain, temperature)
• Weakness or tingling in limbs
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Chronic pain or muscle stiffness

In some cases, symptoms appear suddenly after surgery or an emergency. Others may develop gradually due to untreated conditions or a delay in care by the healthcare provider. That is why timely recognition is critical in these situations.

How does paralysis affect daily life?

Sadly, there is currently no cure for paralysis. The condition requires ongoing treatment that focuses on rehabilitation, assistive devices, and managing related complications from the injury. People living with paralysis or paraplegia often need:

• Ongoing physical and occupational therapy
• Wheelchairs, braces, or other mobility aids
• Home modifications for accessibility
• Regular medical assistance and monitoring from a live-in or part-time nurse
• Psychological support and counseling

Bell Law Firm recognizes that these changes can be emotionally and financially overwhelming, especially when the condition was avoidable for the affected individual and everyone involved in their lives. That’s why we fight for justice for victims of medical malpractice-related paralysis and paraplegia – to give you the support and resources you need for lifelong care.

Can I sue my doctor or hospital for causing paralysis?

If you or a loved one has experienced paralysis after a medical procedure or hospital stay, it’s natural to have questions and concerns. One of the most pressing is whether you can hold your healthcare provider legally accountable.

The short answer: Yes, you can pursue a medical malpractice claim if your paralysis was the result of negligence. When that failure leads to life-altering harm, you deserve answers.

At Bell Law Firm, we investigate these cases thoroughly, often uncovering the root cause of what went wrong. We work with leading medical experts to build strong, evidence-based claims – and fight to hold negligent providers accountable.

If you’re living with paralysis and believe it could have been prevented, we are here to answer all of your questions and guide you through your potential case. Request a free consultation today.

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