Paralysis

Paralysis is a medical condition characterized by the loss of muscle function in part of your body. It can be localized or generalized, partial or complete, and temporary or permanent. Paralysis can affect any part of the body at any time in life. If you're born with it, it's called congenital paralysis. If you develop it later, it's called acquired paralysis.

Causes

Paralysis is most often caused by damage to the nervous system, particularly the spinal cord. Other major causes include stroke, trauma with nerve injury, poliomyelitis, Cerebral palsy, peripheral neuropathy, Parkinson's disease, Botulism, Spina bifida, and multiple sclerosis.

Types

Paralysis can be classified in several ways. These include:

• Localised paralysis: Affects only one part of the body, such as the face or hand.
• Generalised paralysis: Affects larger areas of the body.
• Paraplegia: Affects both legs and sometimes parts of the trunk.
• Quadriplegia: Affects both arms and both legs and sometimes the entire area from the neck down.

Treatment

Treatment of paralysis is often aimed at treating the underlying cause of the condition. Physiotherapy is often used to improve muscle strength and function. In some cases, surgery may be needed to correct the condition causing the paralysis.

See also

• Hemiplegia
• Palsy
• Locked-in syndrome

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