1. SPINAL PARALYSIS By Kim V. and Kiki H.

2. DEFINITION Damage to any part of the spinal cord. Often causes permanent changes in strength, sensation, and other body functions below the site of the injury.

3. SYMPTOMS Loss of motion Loss of sensation Loss of bowel or bladder movement Pain or intense stinging Difficulty breathing

4. SEVERE SYMPTOMS Extreme pain Weakness Numbness Difficulty in walking Oddly positioned or twisted neck or back

5. NON-TRAUMATIC CAUSES Arthritis Cancer Inflammation Infections or disk degeneration of the spine

6. TRAUMATIC CAUSES Damage to… Vertebrae Ligaments Disks of the spinal column The spinal cord itself

7. RISK FACTORS Being male Affects people ages 16-30 Being 65 or older Risky activities Having bone or joint disorder

8. COMPLICATIONS Bladder and bowel control Lack of skin sensation Circulatory control or extremely high blood pressure Difficulty with breathing Spasticity Flaccidity Depression Pain Weight Loss Limited Mobility