Paralysis: Symptoms, Complications, and Treatment

Contents

In this article, we will take a look at:

• What is paralysis?
• How does paralysis occur?
• Who is prone to paralysis?
• Symptoms of paralysis
• Diagnosis of paralysis
• Complications of paralysis
• Treatment for paralysis

What is paralysis?

When, in any part of the human body, there is a loss of muscle function, it is called paralysis. This condition happens when something goes gravely wrong between the manner in which messages are passed by the brain and the muscles. Paralysis is usually of two kinds- partial or complete. Paralysis can affect either one or both sides of the human body. In some cases, just one area of your body gets affected, while in some other cases it can be widespread. When paralysis hits the lower half of the human body, such as both legs, it is referred to as paraplegia. When paralysis hits arms as well as legs, it is referred to as quadriplegia.

In the majority of cases, paralysis happens because of strokes or any kind of injury like an injury to the spinal cord or a broken neck. There can be other reasons for paralysis such as:

• Nerve diseases like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
• Autoimmune diseases like Guillain-Barre syndrome
• Bell's palsy in which muscles of the face get affected

How does paralysis occur?

Paralysis is usually caused due to damage in the nervous system, particularly spinal cord. Other key triggering factors of paralysis are stroke, poliomyelitis, and trauma along with nerve injury, cerebral palsy, ALS, peripheral neuropathy, Guillain–Barré syndrome, botulism, Parkinson's disease, spina bifida and multiple sclerosis.

In majority of cases, people get paralysis due to any kind of accident or medical condition which affects functioning of the muscles and nerves. So, if there is any kind of injury to the spinal cord or a stroke, paralysis occurs.

Who is prone to paralysis?

You are at higher risk of paralysis if:

• You are suffering from diabetes
• If you smoke
• If there is a family history
• If you suffer from high blood pressure
• If you do not indulge in adequate physical activity
• If you are obese
• If Bell’s Palsy runs in your family
• If you have high cholesterol levels

What are the symptoms of paralysis? How is paralysis diagnosed?

The prime symptom of paralysis is the incapacity to move a part of your body, or failure to move the entire body. Paralysis can begin all of a sudden or gradually. In some cases it comes and goes.

Paralysis can have an effect on any given part of the body, such as:

• Face
• Hands
• When only one leg or arm is affected, it is called monoplegia
• When one side of the body is affected it is called hemiplegia
• If both the legs get affected, it is called paraplegia
• If both arms and legs are affected, it is known as quadriplegia or tetraplegia
• The part of the body which is affected can be:
• Stiff (this is spastic paralysis), with sporadic muscle spasms
• Floppy ( this is flaccid paralysis)
• Numb, sore or prickly

Diagnosis 

The doctor is able to diagnose paralysis in few simple steps. There are variations in level of consciousness in the body. You feel confused and dizzy. The body loses coordination. There is change in the vision. There is loss of power or numbness in legs, arms or both. Doctor will conduct tests such as electromyography, imaging scans, CT scans and blood tests to be sure.

Complications of paralysis

Paralysis causes major changes in overall functioning of the body. People lose their sense of taste, balance etc. Once any damage is caused, it is permanent, as the spinal cord cannot cure itself. There can be temporary relief of spasm and pain by using painkillers etc.

Treatment for paralysis

Physical therapy is used to treat paralysis usually. Treatments such as heat massage, physiotherapy and exercise are done to stimulate the nerves and muscles. Functional Electrical stimulation is used in some cases to offer help to the patient.