1. Paraplegia Kiernan Thomas & Dylan Blomme R3 Linde A & P

2. What it is: Impairment in motor or sensory function of the lower extremities. Caused by injuries to the spinal cord that disconnect nerve pathways to the brain.

3. What it causes: Paralysis of all or part of the trunk. Injury to T1-T6 vertebrae causes complete loss of function and sensation below mid-chest. Injury to T9-T12 vertebrae causes only loss of function in legs.

4. Frequency: 11,000 spinal cord injuries in the United States each year involve paraplegia

5. Treatment: There is no way to reverse damage done to the spinal cord. New treatments are being researched that promote new cell regeneration, or that improve function of remaining nerves.

6. Ways to Avoid it: The most common causes of spinal cord injury are: –Motor vehicle accidents –Falls (over age 65) –Acts of violence –Sports/recreational injuries –Alcohol use

7. Sources: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/spinal-cord- injury/basics/definition/con-20023837http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/spinal-cord- injury/basics/definition/con-20023837 http://www.seriousinjurylaw.co.uk/spinal-injury/effects

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