While paralysis is often the result of a spinal cord injury, there are also a variety of conditions—both congenital and acquired—that can cause paralysis. Conditions Specific conditions that cause paralysis include: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)— This is motor neuron disease that affect the communication links between the nervous system and the voluntary muscles of… Read More
Quadriplegia
What Is Quadriplegia? Paralysis can be either partial, periodic, complete, or incomplete. Paralysis of both the arms and legs has been traditionally been called quadriplegia. Quad comes from the Latin for four and plegia comes from the Greek for the inability to move. Currently, the term tetraplegia is becoming more popular, but it means the… Read More
Hemiplegia
Hemiplegia is a term used to describe paralysis, severe weakness, or rigid movement on either the right or left side of the body. Hemiplegia can also be associated with limited use of the hand, balance issues, speech issues, and visual field problems. Cause of Hemiplegia The main cause of hemiplegia is brain damage as the… Read More
Diplegia
Diplegia is a term used to describe paralysis of like parts on both sides of the body, such as both legs or both arms. Causes of Diplegia The causes of diplegia may originate in the brain or spinal cord. Common causes of diplegia include: Stroke Tumor Trauma Multiple sclerosis Cerebral palsy Metabolic disorder Neurodegenerative disease… Read More
Monoplegia
Monoplegia is the paralysis of one limb, quite frequently an arm. Causes of Monoplegia Cerebral palsy is the most common cause of monoplegia. Other causes include: Stroke Lacunar strokes Brain tumor Multiple sclerosis Brown Sequard Syndrome Motor neuron disease Lumbar radiculopathy Nerve trauma Nerve inflammation Nerve impingement Malignancy impinging on nerves Mononeuritis multiplex Treatment of… Read More
Signs and Symptoms of Paralysis
The signs and symptoms of paralysis will depend upon what caused the paralysis, as well as what parts of the body are affected. Loss of movement and feeling can be sudden and immediate, such as with trauma or stroke, or it can begin with muscle weakness and gradually progress, particularly when it is caused by… Read More