Paralysis is the inability to make voluntary muscle movements and is caused by a nervous system problem. In a healthy body, the uninjured nerves send signals to muscles making muscle movement possible. When a person is paralyzed or has paralysis, they can’t move certain parts of their body.
Degrees or severity of paralysis
Some types of paralysis are temporary and the affected are able to regain partial or full movement over time. For example, Bell’s palsy is a temporary paralysis of the facial muscles. Palsy is the name for this type of paralysis which is accompanied by tremors.
Whereas in permanent paralysis the person never regains muscle control. The condition is irreversible.
Thus, paralysis can affect any part of the body. It can be:
- Partial (paresis): You can control some muscles, but not all
- Complete: You have no control over any muscles
Based on the site of injury in the nervous system, paralysis can also be broken down into two types:
- Flaccid: Your muscles get flabby and shrink
- Spastic: The muscles tighten, causing uncontrollable jerks and spasms (spasticity)
What causes paralysis?
A problem with the nervous system causes paralysis. In a healthy condition, the nervous system, which is our body’s command and communication system, sends signals from the brain throughout our body, telling it what to do.
If something damages the nervous system, it hinders the messages to get through to muscles. Birth defects like spina bifida can cause paralysis and more often, a traumatic injury or medical condition damages muscle and nerve function can also lead to paralysis.
Strokes and spinal cord injuries are the top causes of paralysis. Other causes include:
- Autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis (MS) and Guillain-Barré syndrome
- Brain injuries, including conditions like cerebral palsy
- Neurological diseases, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
Symptoms of paralysis
With paralysis, the person won’t be able to partly or entirely move the affected parts of the body. Paralysis may be accompanied by a loss of sensation depending on the location of the injury. Strokes and spinal cord injuries cause sudden paralysis.
Some medical conditions can cause gradual paralysis. You may experience:
- A steady loss of feeling and muscle control
- Muscle cramps
- Tingling or numbness in limbs
Managing and Treating Paralysis
Temporary paralysis like Bell’s palsy often goes away over time without treatment, there isn’t a cure for permanent paralysis. But, physical, occupational, and speech therapy can help in the management and coping with the condition.
Our rehabilitation services have helped people with all types of paralysis to living independently and enjoy a better quality of life. Make an appointment for your dear ones with us.
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