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Paralysis: Symptoms, Types, Causes, Prevention and Treatment

Team AckoJan 20, 2025

According to a report from the Indian Institute of Paralysis, out of every one crore people, 12,000 to 15,000 have Paralysis. This number is quite concerning! Paralysis can alter your life in numerous ways, so you must be aware of the symptoms, causes, treatment & prevention methods so that you can take timely action. Read on to know more.

Paralysis

Contents

What is Paralysis?

Paralysis or plegia is the loss of muscle motor function. In severe sensory and motor damage, Paralysis can also result in a sensory loss (loss of feeling) in the affected area. Simply put, Paralysis is the body's loss of muscle function. The degree of Paralysis can be partial or whole, temporary or permanent, localised or generalised, depending on the type of injury sustained.

The following can occur in case a person is suffering from Paralysis:

If the spinal cord is damaged, the brain cannot send or receive messages to some parts of the body.
Brain injuries prevent the brain from sending signals to specific body parts.
Injuries to the spinal cord prevent the brain from adequately relaying a reaction to touch and other bodily sensations.

What Are the Different Types Of Paralysis?

Signals cannot reach the targeted area, which in this case are the muscles, when any portion of the relay system, such as the brain, spinal cord, or nerves, is compromised or injured. Paralysis can develop from spinal cord injury (be it permanent or temporary). Following are the five different types of Paralysis:

Monoplegia: One limb, such as the arm or the leg, is affected by this type of generalised Paralysis
Diplegia: The same parts are affected on both sides of the body. For example, both sides of the face, legs, or arms are affected by this generalised Paralysis condition known as diplegia.
Hemiplegia: Usually brought on by a stroke, hemiplegia affects one side of the body. This particularly generalised Paralysis may harm one side of the brain.
Locked-in Syndrome: The most severe and least common type of Paralysis is "locked-in syndrome." In such circumstances, people are unable to move their muscles, except the muscles that control eye movement.
Paraplegia: When Paralysis starts around the waist, it is referred to as paraplegia.
Quadriplegia: When all four limbs become paralyzed, the disorder is known as quadriplegia. Sometimes specific organs also experience Paralysis.

How Common is Paralysis?

According to research carried out, paralysis is a condition that is prevalent in millions of people across the globe. More than 5 million people in the United States have some paralysis alone, and this figure is just a fraction of the global population. This may be due to stroke, spinal cord damage, head injuries, or diseases such as multiple sclerosis. Paralysis can range from temporary, where the affected part of the body has a temporary loss of function, to permanent, where the individual is left with a disability.

Paralysis is often reversible, and people may recover partial or full use of a muscle or limb with time. Bell's palsy is a common example, easily spotted in many regions. This affects the facial muscles and results in weakness or even complete or partial paralysis on one side of the face. The condition is usually self-limiting, and the patients will take a few weeks to months to recover with adequate treatment and therapy. Another term related to paralysis is "palsy." Paralysis is characterized by tremors or shaking, for instance, cerebral palsy or Parkinson's disease.

Permanent paralysis means you can't move specific muscles of your body again. This happens when the nervous system is badly damaged, like in serious spinal cord injuries. It makes daily life harder. People with permanent paralysis need care forever. Treatment and support can help them live better lives.

What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Paralysis?

The symptoms of paralysis vary depending on its type and severity. While mild symptoms may be subtle, severe ones can significantly impact a person’s daily life. Paralysis can occur suddenly, affecting both children and adults. Understanding these symptoms is crucial for early recognition and timely medical intervention.

Mild Symptoms

Muscular discomfort persists even after light exercise.
Muscle spasms or unexpected muscle stiffness.
Constant weakness in specific areas of the body.
Tingling sensation or "pins and needles" feeling in the affected region.
Longer episodes of muscular weakness, making daily activities challenging.
Pain in the jaw or ear on the affected side.
Digestive issues, such as diarrhoea or constipation.
Numbness or a loss of sensation.
Clumsiness, often leading to difficulty in movement or coordination.
Nausea or vomiting accompanied by discomfort.
Pain in the neck area, which may radiate to nearby regions.

Severe Symptoms

Drooling, making speech and swallowing difficult.
Communication difficulties, including trouble understanding, remembering, writing, or reading.
Confusion or a sudden loss of consciousness.
Mood, attitude, or behavioural changes, which may signal neurological complications.
Loss of hearing or sensitivity to sound.
Vision issues, such as loss of eyesight or visual alterations.
Severe headaches that may be debilitating.
Skin rashes, possibly indicating an underlying cause.
Reduced ability to taste, affecting the perception of flavours.
Face drooping, accompanied by trouble moving the facial muscles.

What Causes Paralysis?

Attacks that produce Paralysis can occur for a number of reasons. Patients may develop symptoms later as a result of traumas or accidents, as well as congenital disabilities. However, one of the leading causes of Paralysis is thought to be a stroke.

Weakness: Periodic weakness in the face, legs, or arms can be a symptom of multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, or hypokalemic periodic Paralysis.
Stroke: A stroke, transient ischaemic attack, or mini attack can result in an abrupt loss of facial strength on one side. Additionally, this may result in speech slurring or weak arms.
Injuries: Paralysis may result from a severe brain or spinal cord injury.
Sleep Paralysis: A momentary difficulty in moving when getting up or drifting off to sleep is known as sleep Paralysis.
Bell's palsy: One side of the face may suddenly become weak due to Bell's palsy.
Brain tumour: One side of the body may gradually become weaker due to a brain tumour.
Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome: Arms and legs may become paralysed due to motor neuron illness, spinal muscular atrophy, or Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome.
Guillain-Barre syndrome: Within a few days, Guillain-Barre syndrome can cause Paralysis to start in the legs and progress to the face and arms.
Spina Bifida : Paralysis or muscle weakness in the legs can be caused by spina bifida, a congenital disability.
Post-polio Syndrome : Many years after contracting polio, the post-polio syndrome can cause Paralysis.
Friedreich's Ataxia: One of the signs of Paralysis in the legs is a progressive weakness in the legs, which can be caused by Friedreich's ataxia or hereditary spastic paraplegia. Parts of the face may gradually become weaker due to melanoma, a tumor affecting the nerves in the head and neck.
Other causes : When injuries occur in persons with severe medical disorders like diabetes, the causes of Paralysis might also worsen. For instance, diabetic nerve damage can result in decreased range of motion in several body parts, especially the feet. As a result, walking becomes more difficult, and other major health problems, like cardiovascular crises, arise.

How To Diagnose Paralysis?

Any diagnosis is insufficient without identifying the underlying cause of this illness. The loss of muscle movement is a major indication of Paralysis, making the diagnosis quite simple. Therefore, whether a patient experiences a stroke or spinal cord injury, doctors can diagnose Paralysis.

However, identifying it and its underlying causes in internal organs becomes very challenging. In such circumstances, doctors may recommend certain testing. Here are a few tests that your doctors may suggest if they suspect Paralysis.

Myelography
CT Scan
Spinal tap
MRI
Electromyography (EMG)
X-ray

What Is The Ideal Treatment For Paralysis?

Here are some treatment options for Paralysis patients.

Medications: Patients that are suffering from Paralysis due to an injury may need medication or surgery to improve their condition. The purpose of this type of surgery is to reduce Edema. Medications decrease the risk of bacterial or viral infections following surgery, and patients must continue to take them as prescribed.
Physiotherapy: In some cases, Paralysis can be treated with Physiotherapy and exercise. Thus, patients who experience partial or total Paralysis benefit from this kind of treatment. Physiotherapy can also assist patients in healing and regaining sensation and motor function in some parts of the affected region.

How Can Paralysis Patients Improve Their Quality Of Life?

Following are the ways in which Paralysis patients can improve their quality of life.

Manual wheelchairs: Patients can obtain various helpful mobility aids because of advancements in medical technology. Patients can use mobility aids like a manual wheelchair for short-distance commuting, for instance, if they have partial paralysis of the lower body but complete function in the upper body.
Electric wheelchairs: People with weaker upper body muscles and partial paralysis in the bottom part of their body can use an electric wheelchair.
Modified vehicles: Vehicles can be properly equipped to meet the requirements of those with special needs. They can replace the accelerator and brake pedals with levers in this situation. Additionally, the steering wheel can be modified and used such that wrists, rather than fingers or hands, can operate it.
Brain computers: There are many voice-command-based systems available in the market. Quadriplegic patients can utilise these cutting-edge technologies to operate mobile phones, TV, audio equipment, etc. Additionally, fully Paralysed patients can buy specialised computers to help communicate or compose simple sentences.

What are the Complications Of Paralysis?

Paralysis can lead to various complications, including muscle atrophy, respiratory issues, pressure sores, urinary tract infections, and blood clots. Individuals may also experience difficulties with digestion, emotional and mental health challenges, and loss of mobility, which can severely impact their quality of life.

Loss of Sensation and Movement

Paralysis commonly leads to the diminished or total inability to feel things or to move certain body parts. This can be a lack of sensation of touch, pain, changes in temperature, or other feelings in the body. Mobility impairment hampers the performance of routine activities and may also result in muscle atrophy (reduction in size and strength of muscles) in future periods.

Balance and Coordination Issues

Spinal cord injury individuals, maybe even those paralyzed, may feel instability and are often unsteady. This can make it very painful to move in any way, especially to walk or even stand, which increases one's tendency to fall and, in the process, get injured.

Breathing Problems

Pneumonic problems such as respiratory failure may occur due to paralysis in muscles related to breathing. Paraplegics and quadriplegics require breathing support or sometimes a ventilator if they have a high-level spinal cord injury.

Pressure Sores (Bedsores)

Depending on the degree of disability, patients with paralysis are confused about changing positions frequently and, therefore, are prone to pressure sores while seated or in a reclined position for long periods. You need to treat these sores immediately. If you delay the treatment for any reason, it may lead to more infections.

Bowel and Bladder Problems

As a result of the injury, some individuals develop paralysis, which affects the movement of the bowels and bladder. Some of the things that individuals with paralysis can require include catheters or other types of equipment for the management of urination and bowel movements.

Pain and Spasms

Paralyzed individuals have long-term pain and even muscle contractions that they cannot control. It can be eased somewhat using analgesics, muscle relaxants, and other therapies, but the relief only lasts for a short while.

Psychological Effects

Emotional response to paralysis may bring about depression, anxiety, and even an unfavorable feeling of losing something or someone. It is never easy to accept a new reality of permanent change and loss of physical function, and psychosocial support from the healthcare team, family, and friends is important.

How Is Paralysis Managed Or Treated?

Supportive care, including occupational therapy and counselling, is key to improving quality of life and enhancing independence.

Stem Cell Therapy

Stem cell therapy is one of the promising therapies for paralysis, especially in situations where some nerves are severed. The treatment concept in stem cell therapy is based on the idea that stem cells must be used to repair or regenerate the affected nerve tissue. Although this treatment is still considered experimental, it is hoped that future advancements will allow for more functionality to be added to the lives of those with spinal cord injuries.

Electrical Stimulation

Electrical stimulation (FES) uses electrical signals to help muscles move. It helps with movement and blood flow and prevents muscles from getting weaker. FES is useful for people with spinal injuries or partial paralysis.

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy teaches people with paralysis how to do daily tasks like eating, dressing, and working. Special tools and equipment can make these tasks easier, helping them live more independently.

Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy uses water to help people with paralysis. The water reduces pressure on the body, making it easier to exercise. It also helps improve strength, movement, and flexibility.

Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS)

Spinal cord stimulation is a small device placed in a certain region near the spinal cord. It sends electrical signals to manage pain and help with some body functions. It is mainly used for pain but can also help with movement.

Neuroprosthetics

Neuroprosthetics are devices connected to the nervous system of the human body. They help restore movement by stimulating muscles and nerves. They are used to help with walking or hand functions.

Exoskeletons for Walking

Exoskeletons are robotic suits that help people with lower body paralysis walk. They use motors and sensors to assist with movement. This technology is still being developed but shows promise in improving mobility.

Advanced Pain Management

Pain management is important for people with paralysis. Besides painkillers, treatments like nerve blocks, acupuncture, and electrical nerve stimulation can help reduce pain and improve comfort. Personalized pain plans are essential for a higher standard of care.

How to prevent Paralysis?

A number of underlying health issues or injuries can lead to Paralysis. Thus, it will be helpful to address any medical conditions that can lead to this disease. Here are some tips to prevent Paralysis.

Eat a balanced diet.
Exercise regularly to improve your health.
Quit smoking if you are an active smoker.
Maintain the weight recommended as per your height, age and gender.
Undergo regular annual health check-ups to identify early signs of any diseases, including Paralysis.

While it may not be possible to prevent all cases of hereditary Paralysis, you can lower their risk by maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Key Takeaway

Paralysis is the loss of muscle function in one or more body parts, often caused by nerve damage, stroke, or injury. Symptoms include numbness, weakness, or inability to move affected areas. Types range from partial to complete, temporary to permanent, and localized to widespread paralysis. Causes include neurological disorders, trauma, or infections like polio. Prevention focuses on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing chronic conditions, and practising safety measures to avoid injuries. Treatment varies from physical therapy and medication to advanced surgeries, depending on the cause. Early diagnosis and intervention are critical for improving outcomes and enhancing quality of life.

Frequently asked questions

Is Paralysis curable?

There is currently no treatment for Paralysis. However, some people achieve a partial or full recovery, depending on the nature and source of the problem. Without medical intervention, Temporary Paralysis brought on by Bell's palsy or a stroke may resolve on its own.

Can a Paralysed woman have children?

Yes, a Paralysed woman can have children as her ability to become pregnant and carry the pregnancy to full term is unaffected if the Paralysis is due to a spinal cord injury.

How does a wearable robot help a paralysed person?

A wearable robot or a bionic robot helps a person move around by providing support to the body of a Paralysed person. These are also called exoskeletons, i.e. an outer covering that can be worn around the body.

What does a paralysis attack feel like?

A paralysis attack can present as a shock-like sensation of numbness or pins and needles in part of the body, usually occurring on one side of the body. It can lead to muscle loss, in which certain extremities are paralyzed, and it can cause other symptoms. It is imperative that a person may be paralyzed and unable to speak, swallow, or even go to the bathroom on their own. The sensation of paralysis, the sense of weight on muscles, or the inability to manage the muscles is also possible.

What is the most common cause of paralysis?

Paralysis is also mostly caused by a stroke, which reduces blood flow to the brain. A stroke is defined as a disease in which blood supply to a certain area of the brain is limited or reduced, which leads to the death of brain cells. This can result in loss of function in different parts of your body due to the area that has been affected in the brain. Strokes may occur if blood flow to the brain is blocked or interrupted by an artery or other complications related to high blood pressure, Parkinson's disease, or other diseases affecting the heart.

Mild symptoms	Severe symptoms
Muscular discomfort that persists even after light exercise, Muscle spasms, Constant weakness, Tingling sensation, Longer episodes of muscular weakness, Pain in the affected side's jaw or ear, Diarrhoea, Constipation, Numbness, Clumsiness, Either nausea or vomiting, Pain in the neck area	Drooling, Trouble understanding, communicating, remembering, writing, or reading, Confusion or loss of consciousness, Mood, attitude, or behaviour changes Loss of hearing, Fever, Loss of eyesight or visual alterations, Severe headache, Rashes, Reduced capacity to taste, increased sensitivity to sound, Face drooping and trouble moving the facial muscles

Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet. Please consult a doctor before making any health-related decisions.

Sources

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5024361/

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