Paralysis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Paralysis is caused by a malfunction of the nervous system. Nerves that are not harmed provide signals to muscles. Muscles move as a result of these impulses.

You can't move specific areas of your body if you're paralyzed or have paralysis.

Some individuals are paralyzed for a short period of time before regaining partial or complete movement. You will never restore muscle control if you are paralyzed permanently. It is impossible to reverse the situation.

Any portion of the body might be affected by paralysis.

It could be:  Partial: You have partial control over some muscles though not all.  Complete: You have no control over any of your muscles.

Based on the location of the injury in the neurological system, paralysis can be divided into two types:

 Flaccid: Your muscles get weak and shrink  Spastic: The muscles tighten, creating twitches and spasms that are involuntary

The nervous system is the command and communication system of your body.

The brain sends signals throughout your body instructing it what to do. If the nervous system is damaged, messages cannot reach the muscles. The most common causes of paralysis are:

Stroke

Multiple Sclerosis

Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)

Cerebral Palsy

Motor Neuron Disease (MND)

Several physiological processes, such as respiration and heart rate, might be affected by paralysis. Other body systems in the affected area may also be harmed by the condition. You may be at risk for the following conditions regardless of the type of paralysis you have:

 Breathing difficulties, cough, and the possibility of pneumonia.  Deep vein thrombosis and thrombosis (DVT).  Communication or difficulty swallowing (dysphagia).  Anxiety and panic attacks.  Sexual troubles and erectile dysfunction.  High blood pressure or low blood pressure can cause heart difficulties  Failure of bowel control and bladder problems

Permanent paralysis does not have a cure. The spinal cord is incapable of selfhealing. Bell's palsy is a type of temporary paralysis that usually goes away without therapy over time.

Physical, occupational, and speech therapy can help paralyzed people improve their function by providing exercises, adapting, and assistive technologies. Stem Cell Therapy is an emerging alternative option for paralysis. People with various types of paralysis can benefit from stem cell therapy, which can help them live independently and have a better lifestyle.