Paralysis

Paralysis is the loss of muscle function in part or all of the body. It occurs when there is a disruption in the signals between the brain and muscles, usually due to nerve damage. It can be temporary or permanent, partial or complete, and may affect one or both sides of the body.

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🔹 Types of Paralysis

1. Based on Affected Body Parts:

🔹 Monoplegia – Affects one limb (e.g., one arm or leg).
🔹 Hemiplegia – Affects one side of the body (right or left).
🔹 Paraplegia – Affects both legs and lower body.
🔹 Quadriplegia (Tetraplegia) – Affects both arms and legs.

2. Based on Severity:

🔹 Partial Paralysis (Paresis) – Some muscle function remains.
🔹 Complete Paralysis – No muscle function or sensation.

3. Based on Duration:

🔹 Temporary Paralysis – Caused by injuries, strokes, or certain illnesses (may recover over time).
🔹 Permanent Paralysis – Due to severe nerve damage (irreversible).

4. Based on Causes:

🔹 Flaccid Paralysis – Muscles become loose and weak (seen in polio).
🔹 Spastic Paralysis – Muscles become stiff and tight, leading to spasms (seen in cerebral palsy).

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🔹 Causes of Paralysis

🧠 Brain-Related Causes:
✅ Stroke – Blood flow blockage or bleeding in the brain.
✅ Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) – Damage from accidents or falls.
✅ Brain Tumors – Can press on nerves controlling movement.

🦴 Spinal Cord-Related Causes:
✅ Spinal Cord Injury – Due to accidents, falls, or sports injuries.
✅ Multiple Sclerosis (MS) – Affects nerve signals from the brain.
✅ Spinal Tumors – Can compress nerves leading to paralysis.

🦠 Nerve & Muscle-Related Causes:
✅ Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) – Autoimmune attack on nerves.
✅ Polio (Poliomyelitis) – Viral infection damaging spinal cord nerves.
✅ Peripheral Neuropathy – Nerve damage from diabetes or infections.

🔄 Other Causes:
✅ Cerebral Palsy – Brain damage affecting movement from birth.
✅ ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) – Progressive nerve degeneration.
✅ Poisoning & Toxins – Snake venom, botulism, or lead poisoning.

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🔹 Symptoms of Paralysis

🛑 Inability to move affected body parts.
🛑 Loss of sensation (numbness, tingling).
🛑 Weakness in muscles.
🛑 Muscle stiffness or uncontrolled spasms.
🛑 Difficulty breathing, speaking, or swallowing (in severe cases).