Paralysis - Types, Causes Treatment, Procedure And Side Effects

Paralysis occurs because of improper muscle function, which generally results in a sensory loss in the part of the body that is affected. It is mostly a result of damage to the spinal cord; that affects the central nervous system of the body. As per global research, 1 out of 50 persons has to deal with some kind of paralysis during his lifetime.

An individual may either suffer from partial or full paralysis because of a number of causes which include- trauma, polio, nerve damage, multiple sclerosis, stroke, cerebral palsy as well as other medical issues. It is the complete muscle function loss in the affected area, thus it should not be mistaken for muscle weakness or numbness. Paralysis may be accompanied by other symptoms like- fainting spells, confusion, headaches, drooling and behavioural changes, problems with speaking or writing, nausea or vision loss.

In Paralysis condition you unable to move certain body parts. It happens when something goes wrong between the condition of your brain and muscles. It can be complete or partial. Paralysis can occur on both sides of your body, lower half of the legs, or one side of the body.

The following are the various types of paralysis:

1. Complete Paralysis: In this condition, you do not feel any sensation in your muscles neither you can move or control your muscles.

2. Partial Paralysis: It is a condition in which you can feel some sensation in your muscles. The other terms for this type are ‘paresis’ and incomplete paralysis.

3. Localised paralysis: It affects in a particular area. This could be your face, feet, hands or vocal cords.

4. Generalised paralysis: This type can affect more than one body part at a time. This includes:

• Monoplegia: It affects only one arm or a leg
• Diplegia: This type of generalised, affects both the arms or legs or both sides of the face
• Hemiplegia: This type affects just one side of the human body. This condition occurs due to a stroke.
• Quadriplegia: Also known as tetraplegia, it affects both the arms and the legs are paralysed along with some organs.
• Paraplegia: The body below the waist portion is paralysed in such type.

5. Locked-in syndrome: It is the rarest form of paralysis. In this type, a person loses control over every part of the body except the muscles which control their eye movements.

Many of the human beings are paralysed by birth and few come across the attack due to medical issue or accident. Few other causes because of which you can suffer from it are:

• Cerebral Palsy
• Post-polio syndrome
• Spinal cord injury
• Stroke
• Neurofibromatosis
• Traumatic brain injury
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Botulism

Many times it is often easy to diagnose it as you will lose control over your muscles completely or partially. To identify it for the internal body part, the medical professionals use X-rays, MRI scans, CT scans, myelography, electromyography other imaging studies.

The treatment will depend on the type of paralysis you suffered from as well as the symptoms you faced. According to your paralytic condition, your doctor will prescribe the treatment. Doctors generally offer treatment that aids in the restoration of the brain’s connection to the body.

Medicines and drugs are generally prescribed for a specific type. The medicines mostly help patients suffering from symptoms. For instance, muscle relaxants like baclofen and dantrolene are prescribed to help with spasms and excessive muscle pain.

Physiotherapy for paralysis: Physiotherapy also helps patients to a great extent. Depending on the kind, patients undergo physiotherapy sessions where they are made to do different exercises to help regain muscle movement. This type of treatment is slow and requires a lot of effort and strong will. But its results are most effective.

Functional Electrical Stimulation: It is known to help patients who are suffering from the lower leg as well as feet paralysis. This form of treatment uses electrical impulses to restore muscle function. Thus, the affected muscles are stimulated with electric pulses along with a vigorous exercise regime for a stated period of time. Research has shown that this type of treatment is very effective. In fact, patients with zero movements have been able to regain considerable control of their legs after undergoing this treatment, thus allowing them to lead a considerably normal lifestyle.

The eligibility criteria include:

• In the case of Functional Electrical Stimulation treatment, patients with lower leg paralysis are eligible.
• Patients with partial and periodic paralysis may be given medications to help with symptoms.
• Physiotherapy is only recommended for individuals who are willing to bear the pain and long sessions of exercise.

Paralysis is mainly caused due to lack of communication between the central nervous system and nerves all over the body. Its onset may be sudden or gradual. A sudden form of paralysis is a medical emergency and needs prompt treatment.

Other associated symptoms which may be an indication of a medical emergency include the following:

• Drooping of the face
• Loss of memory
• Confusion
• Severe headache or numbness
• State of unconsciousness
• Difficulty in walking
• Problem with balancing

Summary: Sudden or quick onset of paralysis indicates the state of a medical emergency. Prompt treatment of the condition is imperative as it only can help to overcome such conditions.

The duration that a person may take to recover from paralysis mainly depends upon the cause of the paralysis. When the cause of paralysis includes stroke or injuries to the brain or spinal cord, it is permanent and irreversible. It cannot be cured and stays lifelong.

The treatment and rehabilitation therapies can improve the condition of the affected individual. A time period of around 6 months or even more is required for noticeable improvements.

Summary: It usually takes around 6 months or even more for the condition of a paralyzed individual to improve. The treatment and rehabilitation therapies ensure such improvements but cannot cure the condition.

• One of the reasons to suffer from paralysis is an accident. You can save yourself from the accident by using seat belts, airbags and wearing helmets.
• Premature birth is also a big reason for getting your child paralysed. Giving him good prenatal care can help in preventing premature birth.
• Environmental factors sometimes lead to stroke. Paying careful attention to it can help you prevent it.
• Perform exercises on a regular basis. Keeping yourself fit will get you away from the stroke.

Below are some of the home remedies for paralysis which are very effective:

• Yoga: Anulom Vilom Asana is one of the best ways to cure paralysis. You should perform it for at least 1 hour regularly. It has a very positive result and if you perform it on a daily basis for 2 weeks, then you will start seeing the results. Along with Anulom Vilom Pranayama, you can also try Kapalbhati and Ujjayi Pranayama.
• Mustard Oil: Take two spoons of mustard oil and apply on the affected part. This will be very effective. If there is no mustard oil available then you may also use ghee.
• Acupressure: To get relief from it, press the ring finger on the upper part of the body. If your body is paralysed on the left side, then press left ring finger on the area.
• Garlic: Grind 5-6 pieces of garlic pieces and add 2 tablespoons of honey. It is advised to consume the mixture for the 2 months daily. Within this period of time, you will get relief from it. You can also boil 5-6 garlic pieces in the milk and take them regularly. This will help you to bring your affected part alive and will normalise your blood pressure.
• Black pepper: Cook 50 grams of black pepper in 250ml of mustard oil. Lukewarm the cooking oil and apply it on the affected part. This will give you relief within a short period of time.
• Kalonji Oil: It is advised to massage lukewarm kalonji oil gently on the affected body part. Take two to three kalonji oil on a daily basis and within a month you will see a good change in your paralysis condition.

Basic lifestyle changing factors include stopping smoking, getting regular exercise and having an improved diet.

Best foods to prevent stroke:

• Greens
• Chocolate
• Citrus fruits
• Whole grains
• Garlic
• Tomatoes
• Coffee and green tea

Best foods that help stroke recovery:

• Beans
• Bananas
• Lentils
• Walnuts
• Potatoes
• Oil from pumpkin seeds
• Flaxseeds

Physical exercises are an important part of the rehabilitation therapies needed during the treatment of paralysis. Since the affected individual can no longer perform any active physical activities, passive forms of exercise are preferred in such conditions.

These help to increase the range of motion in joints, enhance blood circulation and promote better transmission of impulses between muscles and the brain or spinal cord.

Physical exercises to be preferred during paralysis may involve:

• Side leg lifts
• Knees to chest
• Rotation of ankles
• Hamstring stretch
• Ankle pulls
• Knee extensions
• Seated elliptical
• Seated marches

Summary: Physical exercises are important as a part of rehabilitative therapy during the recovery phase of the paralysis. Passive forms of exercise are preferred for the affected individuals as they can’t bear any physical exertion.

Medicines are a part of the treatment of paralysis along with rehabilitation services. Important medications to be preferred include:

• Methylprednisolone: This is well-known to reduce the inflammation or edema associated with the spinal cord. It also minimizes the consequences of any secondary damage.
• Nebivolol: It works to control abnormal enzymatic activities during the condition.
• Amitriptyline: It effectively relieves neuropathic pain.
• Pregabalin: It also works to relieve the pain associated with neuropathy in such conditions.

Summary: Medicines are a part of the symptomatic treatment of paralysis as there are no medicines known till now that can cure the condition. They can only relieve or minimize the effects of the symptoms.

The treatment of paralysis mainly involves the application of medications and rehabilitation therapies. In cases of partial as well as temporary paralysis, complete recovery is possible over a certain time period.

Results of the treatment are permanent in such cases, while in the case of complete or permanent paralysis, the results are not permanent. Such cases cannot be cured and stay lifelong.

Summary: The results of the treatment are permanent in the case of temporary or partial paralysis, while it is not so in the cases of complete or permanent paralysis.

Ayurvedic treatments for paralysis and homoeopathic medicine for paralysis are available. For instance, Akarkara root mixed with mahau oil and massaged on the affected area can help relax muscles to a great extent.