When you lose muscle function in any area of your body, this suggests that you have been attacked by paralysis. This condition occurs when some irregularities occur or something goes wrong with the manner the messages are transmitted between your muscles and brain. There can be 2 types of paralysis; complete and partial. It might occur or either side of your body or only one side can get affected. When someone is attacked by paralysis on the lower area of his body, then it is said that he is suffering from paraplegia. Quadriplegia is the term used for paralysis on the arms.
What are the Causes of Paralysis?
There could various reasons that might lead to paralysis. The most common cause is stroke; however, there can be other reasons as well. Here are some of the most common reasons which might cause both complete and partial paralysis.
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and other nerve diseases.
- Guillain-Barre syndrome and other types of autoimmune diseases
- Bells’s Palsy. This is a condition where the muscles in the face get affected.
There could be other reasons as well, which includes
- Cerebral Palsy
- Post-Polio syndrome
- Birth Defects
- Traumatic and Severe Brain Injury
- Neurofibromatosis
What are the Symptoms of Paralysis?
There are a couple of common symptoms which can be associated with paralysis. Here are some of them
- A severe Headache
- Loss of vision or impairment
- Loss of memory
- Confusion
- Lack of coordination in movements and loss of balance
- Dizziness and poor balance
- Sudden numbness on legs, arms or on one side of the face
- Abnormal or slurred speech
If you ever experience any of these symptoms, then you cannot afford to lose a single moment. You must rush to a doctor who would run a thorough checkup and start a proper paralysis treatment. If diagnosed and treated at an early stage; it can be prevented or the effects could be minimized to a great extent.
What are the Types of Paralysis?
There are 4 different types of Paralysis, which are as follows:
- Monoplegia: In this form of paralysis, only one leg or arm gets affected
- Hemiplegia: When one arm and one leg on the same side of the body gets affected, then one is said to be suffering from Hemiplegia
- Paraplegia: Paraplegia is the condition, where both the legs get affected
- Quadriplegia: In this condition, both the arms and legs are attacked by paralysis
How Long Does it Continue?
If someone is attacked by paralysis, in that case, it can be temporary. For instance, Bell’s palsy might cause temporary paralysis which affects the face. Temporary paralysis can also be caused by strokes which affects one side of the body. With proper treatment and time, one is expected to regain partial or total coordination and feelings.
However, there are in conditions, where paralysis can be permanent.
How is Paralysis Treated?
The treatment plan depends on various factors, like the cause and symptoms. Here are some of them
- Possible Amputation or Surgery
- Occupational Therapy
- Physical Therapy
- Mobility Aids
- Medications
In certain cases, paralysis can’t be cured. However, there are treatments and means available to improve the condition of the patient. Immunotherapy and back pain treatment can offer some amount of relief.
