A member asked:

I am 40 with unexplained lower extremity parapasesis. i cant move anything waist down. how much muscle loss/ nerve loss to expect.

5 doctors weighed in across 3 answers

Know the cause first: Have you seen a neurologist for your unexplained lower extremity paraparesis? Unless the cause is known, the extent of nerve/muscle compromise cannot be known. The many possibilities include spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, AIDS, skull fracture, HTLV, genetic condition, etc. See a neurologist to be evaluated. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1802259

Answered 9/12/2014

3.7k views

Thank
Dr. Mark Fisher answered

Specializes in Neurology

Insufficient data: First of all, "paraparesis" MEANS lower extremity weakness. What does "unexplained" mean? That you can't explain it, or your doctors can't? Are you absolutely sure they didn't find a cause? Some patients just don't get it the first time around. - If the weakness is from the CNS (spinal cord), you'll get disuse atrophy. If PNS (lumbosacral plexus), you'll get neurogenic atrophy - much worse.

Answered 11/28/2017

3.7k views

Thank

Very Concerning: There is always a reason for Paraplegia, and your severe disability should be evaluated again. A spinal cord injury or stroke, Neuromyelitis Optica, spinal cord tumors, and motor neuron disease should all be considered. Would suggest a second opinion in Baltimore at Johns Hopkins or Univ of Maryland.

Answered 5/29/2016

1.3k views

Thank

Related Questions

Sponsored Content
HealthTap Medical Group does not endorse products or services. Sponsored content revenues support our mission to make health information free and accessible to all.Learn more