Paralysis happens when there is a problem with the connection between your brain and certain parts of your body, which makes it difficult or impossible to move those body parts. There are different types of paralysis, and it can be temporary or permanent, or it can come and go. When someone is paralyzed due to a birth defect or sudden injury, they may not be able to feel or move the affected body parts at all. On the other hand, if paralysis is caused by a medical condition like multiple sclerosis (MS), the person may experience tingling sensations or muscle weakness in the affected areas.


Paralysis can lead to various issues depending on the location and severity of the paralysis. It can affect blood flow, breathing, organ function, speaking or swallowing abilities, sexual responses, and controlling the urge to use the bathroom.


Types Of Paralysis     

      

Complete paralysis occurs when you are unable to move or control the muscles that are paralyzed. Additionally, you may not be able to feel anything in those muscles.


Partial or incomplete paralysis, also known as paresis, means that you still have some feeling and possibly some control over the muscles that are paralyzed.


Localized paralysis specifically affects a particular area of your body, such as your face, hands, feet, or vocal cords.


Generalized paralysis is more widespread throughout your body and its extent depends on the location of the injury in your brain or spinal cord.


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  • Monoplegia: is a type of paralysis that affects only one limb in the body. For example, it may affect just one arm or one leg.
  • Diplegia: a type of paralysis that affects the same area on both sides of the body. This means that both arms, both legs, or both sides of the face are affected.
  • Hemiplegia: is a type of paralysis that affects only one side of the body. It is commonly caused by a stroke, which damages one side of the brain and leads to paralysis on the opposite side of the body.
  • Quadriplegia: or tetraplegia is a condition where all four limbs, along with certain organs, are paralyzed. This type of paralysis usually occurs due to a spinal cord injury.
  • Paraplegia: refers to paralysis from the waist down. It affects the legs, lower body, and sometimes the organs in that area.
  • Locked-in syndrome: is an extremely rare and severe form of paralysis. In this condition, a person loses control of all their muscles except for the ones that control eye movements. They are essentially "locked in" their body and are unable to move or speak, but their cognitive functions and awareness remain intact.


Causes Of Paralysis

Paralysis is often caused by strokes, which typically occur when an artery in your neck or brain becomes blocked. It can also be the result of damage to your brain or spinal cord, which can happen in car accidents or sports injuries.

Certain types of paralysis are caused by specific conditions or diseases that are associated with particular genes.


Demyelinating Diseases

Sometimes, paralysis occurs when the protective covering around your nerve cells, called the myelin sheath, gets damaged over time. This damage makes it difficult for your neurons to send signals properly throughout your body. As a result, your muscles become weaker, and eventually, it can lead to paralysis. Different diseases involve the loss of this protective covering, known as demyelinating diseases, but the most common one is called multiple sclerosis.


Motor Neuron Diseases

Motor neurons are a type of nerve cells that are responsible for controlling the muscles we use for walking, breathing, speaking, and moving our limbs. There are two types of motor neurons: upper motor neurons, which transmit signals from the brain to the spinal cord, and lower motor neurons, which receive those signals and send them to the muscles. Motor Neuron Diseases(MNDs) are conditions that gradually damage these cells over time.


Periodic Paralysis

This condition is caused by changes in specific genes. It is characterized by sudden episodes of paralysis, which are often triggered by certain foods or dietary factors. These episodes are typically linked to imbalances in electrolytes, such as low or high levels of potassium in the blood (known as hypo or hyperkalemia).


Sleep Paralysis

This phenomenon occurs when you are in the process of waking up or falling asleep. It is called sleep paralysis. People who experience sleep paralysis may also have hallucinations, which means they see things that are not there.


Bell's Palsy

Bell's palsy is a condition that causes one half one-half face to appear droopy. Doctors believe it is caused by specific viruses.


Todd's Paralysis

Todd's paralysis is a temporary condition that typically occurs after a person with epilepsy has had a seizure. It usually affects only one side of the body for a short period.



Conclusion

Paralysis can have a significant impact on the quality of life of the affected person and their caregivers, but there are treatments and therapies that can help improve their condition and independence.


Please book an appointment with the Best Neurologist in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and all major cities of Pakistan through InstaCare, or call our helpline at 03100002273 to find a verified doctor for your disease.