Understanding Paralysis and the underlying Causes

Paralysis is a condition of paralysis due to a nervous breakdown that plays a role in regulating the movement of body muscles. Paralysis makes the limbs immobile. This condition is most commonly experienced by stroke sufferers or people who suffer spinal cord injuries. Paralysis has a big impact on life because it affects bodily functions. Therefore, consult a doctor immediately if you experience it. Especially if paralysis appears suddenly or appears after an injury or accident.

Symptoms of Paralysis

A common symptom of paralysis is a loss of ability to move limbs. This condition can appear gradually or suddenly. Paralysis can occur in one or several areas of the body, depending on the cause. Parts of the body that are commonly affected by paralysis include:

• Hands
• Face
• One side of the body (hemiplegia)
• One hand or one leg
• Both hands and legs (tetraplegia or quadriplegia)
• Both limbs (paraplegia)

Besides being difficult to move, other symptoms of paralysis are stiffness accompanied by twitching, numbness, pain, tingling, and weakness and weakness in the muscles. Difficulty in speaking, difficulty in swallowing, and difficulty breathing can also be an indication of paralysis that needs treatment as soon as possible.

Causes of Paralysis

Although the affected muscles of the body, paralysis is not caused by problems with the muscles. The paralysis actually occurs because of abnormalities of the motor nerves or spinal nerves that carry messages of movement from the brain. The cause of paralysis is not always the same. Different symptoms, different causes. Here is an example:

• Stroke

Some of the symptoms of a stroke that can occur are paralysis on one side of the face, stiff hands suddenly, accompanied by halting speech and weakness of limbs.

• Bell's palsy

Paralyzed suddenly on one side of the face. Symptoms of Bell’s palsy in each person can be different, sometimes this condition is accompanied by pain in the ears and face.

• Multiple sclerosis

Early symptoms of multiple sclerosis can be visual disturbances, pain or tingling, and slowly progress to paralysis of the face, arms and legs.

• Injury

Impact or trauma to the head that causes disruption of brain function can cause paralysis. In addition, injury to the spinal nerves can also cause paralysis.

• Motor neuron disease

Gradual paralysis of the arms and legs. Motor nerve disease is thought to be caused by autoimmune disorders.

• Brain tumor

Paralysis occurs slowly on one side of the body. Brain tumors can also cause other symptoms, such as headaches, seizures, nausea, vomiting, difficulty speaking, difficulty swallowing, and psychological disorders. The appearance of symptoms in a brain tumor depends on the type, location, and size of the brain tumor.

• Postpolio Syndrome

Paralysis that occurs many years after being stricken with polio.

• Cerebral palsy

Paralysis from birth. This condition occurs due to birth defects.

• Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)

Paralysis of both legs that spreads to the upper part of the body, such as the arms and face, in a matter of days or weeks. If not treated immediately, GBS can cause respiratory muscle paralysis which can be fatal.

• Sleep paralysis

Temporary paralysis when you start falling asleep or when you wake up. This condition is also called depression. In addition to paralysis, people who experience depression can also experience hallucinations.

How to Overcome Paralysis

The diagnosis is made based on tracking the history of symptoms felt by the patient. In addition, the doctor will also conduct physical and supportive examinations such as MRI, CT scan, blood tests, and examination of nerve electrical conductivity. After the cause of paralysis is known, treatment of paralysis will be adjusted to the level of paralysis and diagnosis of the disease. Generally, patients need assistive devices such as wheelchairs for daily mobility. In addition, paralysis sufferers are advised to undergo physiotherapy. Physiotherapy is useful in increasing strength and muscle mass. Medications may also be needed to reduce spasms, stiffness, and muscle aches. The condition of paralysis requires treatment and observation by a doctor in the hospital. Whatever the cause, complaints of paralysis or paralysis are conditions that cannot be taken lightly. Paralysis can cause difficulties in carrying out daily activities and affect the quality of life of sufferers. Therefore, if there are signs and symptoms that lead to paralysis, immediately consult a doctor.