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Causes & Symptoms

Symptoms of Paralysis:

The symptoms of paralysis are easy to identify. They may vary based on the cause and type of paralysis. The most common paralysis symptom is loss of the ability to move some or all of your body.

Other symptoms may include:

  • Numbness or pain in the affected muscles

  • Muscle weakness

  • Signs of muscle loss (muscle atrophy)

  • Stiffness

  • Involuntary spasms

  • Impossible to control muscles

  • Tingling



Causes

There are many possible causes of paralysis. Some people are born paralyzed because of a birth defect or sudden injury. Some people are paralyzed due to an accident or a medical condition.

The most common causes of paralysis include:

  • Stroke

  • Spinal cord injury

  • Cerebral palsy

  • Multiple sclerosis

Our nervous system sends information back and forth between the brain and the rest of the body. Paralysis can cause damage to the nervous system. Some other possible causes of nervous system damage include:

  • Brain tumors

  • Spinal cord tumors

  • The incomplete development of the brain, spine, or spinal cord

  • Motor neuron diseases

  • Inherited disorders, including spinal muscular atrophy and partial paralysis

Depending on where you’re paralyzed, it can cause problems with our activities such as blood flow, breathing, organs work, speaking or swallowing, sexual responses, or controlling the urge to go to the bathroom.

Diagnosis and Treatment

How is paralysis diagnosed?

An important part of the diagnosis is to determine the cause of the particular disease. Diagnosing paralysis is often easy because losing control of muscle function in a body area is obvious.

Sometimes paralysis occurs after an event such as a stroke or spinal cord injury. Your doctor might want to learn more about the injury that’s causing the paralysis and the degree of the paralysis.

Your doctor might use one or more of these tests:

  • X-ray - It produces detailed images of the dense structures inside the body, such as the bones.

  • CT scan - It gives cross-sectional views of the inside of the body.

  • MRI - It creates clear images of the body.

  • Myelography - A contrast dye is injected into the spinal canal to make the nerves show up very clearly on an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI.

  • Electromyography (EMG) - It measures the electrical activity in the muscles and nerves.

  • Spinal tap - A long needle is injected into the spine to collect spinal fluid.



Treatments

A treatment plan will depend on the underlying cause, symptoms, and degree of the paralysis. Rehabilitation is often recommended for a paralyzed person to live a high quality of life independently. Emotional and social support plays an important role in a person’s treatment and life.

Available treatments include:

  • Physical therapy - heat, massage, and exercise to stimulate nerves and muscles.

  • Occupational therapy - to perform daily activities

  • Mobility devices - manual and electric wheelchairs, and scooters.

  • Medications

  • Surgical amputation

  • Nerve transfer surgery

  • Supportive devices - braces, canes, and walkers.

  • Assistive technology - voice-activated computers, lighting systems, and telephones.

Paralysis is the temporary or permanent loss of movement in one or more parts of the body. Even after the treatment, many people with paralysis do not regain full mobility or sensation in the affected area.

If you’re seeking treatment for paralysis, Visit the American Vein Clinics in Texas. You can ask our experts for more information about your specific diagnosis, treatment, and risk factors.

At American vein clinics, we understand that vascular issues can be urgent and provide compassionate care.

Call us at 469-808-0000 to book an appointment with our vascular surgeon Dr. Ahsan Ali.