Paralysis
Paralysis can be classified in a number of different ways. For example, it can be localised, affecting a particular part of the body, or generalised, affecting a wider area.
Examples of generalised paralysis include:
Paralysis can either be temporary or permanent.
Facial paralysis isa relatively common cause of temporary paralysis thatcauses temporary facial paralysis.
Sometimes paralysis that occurs after astroke canalso be temporary.
Paralysiscaused byserious injury, such as a broken neck, is usually permanent.
Paralysis can be:
Paralysis can be:
People with spastic paralysis may experience muscle weakness withspasms (involuntary muscle contractions).People with flaccid paralysis often experience muscle weakness without spasms.
In some conditions, such as motor neurone disease or cerebral palsy , it is possible to experience episodes of spastic paralysis followed by flaccid paralysis, or the other way around.
Whenassessing the extent ofa spinal cord injury, it is a case of determining where onthe spine the injury occurred,and how badlyrelated nerves and muscles have been affected.
The spinal cord is measured using a number and lettering system based on the vertebrae (disc-shaped bones that help support the spine and neck).
Your spine is made up of 24 vertebrae in total, consisting of:
People with a spinal cord injury between C1 and C7 are likely to have paralysis in all four limbs (tetraplegia).
The extent of the paralysis and subsequent loss of muscle function will depend on how high up the injury occurred. For example:
Paralysis occurs when a person loses the ability to move one or more muscles of the body. It may be associated with loss of feeling and other bodily functions.
Paralysis can be classified in a number of different ways. For example, it can be localised, affecting a particular part of the body, or generalised, affecting a wider area.
The four most common causes of paralysis are stroke, head injury, spinal cord injury and multiple sclerosis.
Diagnosing paralysis is not usually necessary if the cause is obvious for example, if paralysis has occurred after a stroke.
There is currently no cure for paralysis. Treatment focuses on helping you adapt to life with paralysis by making you as independent as possible.
A person with paralysis can develop a number of complications, including autonomic dysreflexia, sexual problems and depression.
If you are paralysed, it is very important that you take measures to prevent getting pressure ulcers.