Paraparesis, or weakness of the legs, can result from a variety of causes, broadly categorized by the speed of onset: sudden (acute) or gradual (chronic).
Acute Paraparesis:
- Spinal Cord Trauma: This is a very common cause of sudden paraparesis. Injuries resulting from accidents, falls, or violence can directly damage the spinal cord, disrupting nerve signals to the legs.
- Spinal Cord Infarction: A stroke of the spinal cord, where blood supply is cut off, can cause sudden weakness.
- Spinal Cord Compression: Sudden compression of the spinal cord, for example, due to a herniated disc or tumor, can lead to paraparesis.
- Infections: Some infections, like transverse myelitis, can rapidly inflame the spinal cord, causing weakness.
Chronic or Slowly Progressive Paraparesis:
- Cerebral Palsy: Though typically diagnosed in childhood, cerebral palsy can cause weakness in the legs that may slowly progress or become more noticeable over time.
- Congenital Spinal Cord Malformations: Conditions present at birth, such as spina bifida or tethered cord syndrome, can lead to progressive paraparesis.
- Familial Neurodegenerative Diseases: Inherited conditions like hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) cause gradual weakening and stiffness in the legs.
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS): This autoimmune disease can affect the brain and spinal cord, leading to a variety of neurological symptoms, including progressive leg weakness.
- Spinal Cord Tumors: Slow-growing tumors can gradually compress the spinal cord, leading to progressive weakness.
- Spinal Stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal can compress the spinal cord and nerves, causing gradual weakness.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: Severe vitamin B12 deficiency can, in rare cases, lead to paraparesis.
It's important to consult a medical professional for a proper diagnosis if you experience symptoms of paraparesis. Identifying the cause is essential for determining the appropriate treatment plan.
