Question
my niece had an accident 12 years ago.  she was first diangosed as paralysed from the chest down. as the years went by, she gained feeling to just below her chest. she has grown to be tall and strong and has recently discovered she can feel when she has an upset tummy and feelings in her legs (although nothing from her knees down). Is this telling us something?

Answer
hi Cathy-

I'd like it to be telling us something!

As to whether or not it is, I really have no idea- nor can I think of much in the way of tests to suggest. Usually any return of function after injury comes within the first year, as swelling in the cord diminishes- but I wouldn't argue with it whenever it came!

Just as personal experience- I have certain feelings sometimes, like there's a guitar string down the very center of my legs that is being plucked... and I've also found that if I see something happening- ie, my dog licks my knee- I can sort of feel that, too, though it's different than before.

at the same time, if i see a bee fly down near my ankles and then it goes out of sight, I can sometimes FEEL the bee sting me.

even if it hasn't stung me...

It's all very odd. There is evidence of the brain healing itself after injury ('colateral sprouting', etc) which we used to think was impossible in the CNS. Could it happen in the cord as well? Enough to regain much sensation? There's also evidence that the mind can ..fill in.. certain gaps. Does that make sense?

I prefer to take it at face value- it's great that she has returning sensation. As to what can be inferred from it about the future, who knows? It's all one big science experiment

good luck to her- thanks for your question
leslie