'The cough that paralysed me'

25 May 2013 Last updated at 21:17 ET By Philippa Roxby Health reporter, BBC News

Life without pain would be "incredible", says 24-year-old Justin Levene from London.

"It would be nice to have a bit of variety."

Three years ago, two days before his 21st birthday, Justin coughed and then collapsed with acute pain in his back and down his legs.

He had suffered a herniated disc with severe nerve damage which left him in constant pain.

After several years of surgical procedures, including undergoing spinal fusion, the damage to his spinal cord left him unable to walk.

"After the last operation I came home to my mum's and spent several months in bed. I had to crawl upstairs and wear back braces permanently.

"I couldn't lift anything heavier than a glass of water. I just wasn't doing anything - apart from a lot of origami, reading and listening to music."

It occurs as a result of an accident or illness and results in communication between the brain and the body being severed, resulting in paralysis.

The injury can also affect bodily functions, such as bladder and bowel control, temperature regulation, sexual function and blood pressure.

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'The cough that paralysed me'