Paralysis

Paralysis occurs when you’re unable to make voluntary muscle movements. A nervous system problem causes paralysis. Uninjured nerves send signals to muscles. Those signals make muscles move. When you’re paralyzed, or have paralysis, you can’t move certain parts of your body.

Symptoms of paralysis: If you have paralysis, you are partly or entirely unable to move the affected parts of the body. Paralysis may be accompanied by a loss of sensation depending on the location of the injury. Strokes and spinal cord injuries cause sudden paralysis. Some medical conditions can cause gradual paralysis. You may experience:

• A steady loss of feeling and muscle control.
• Muscle cramps.
• Tingling or numbness in limbs.

Causes of paralysis: Paralysis can be a symptom of many different conditions that affect the muscles and nerves. Common causes of paralysis include:

• A transient ischemic attack (TIA or "mini-stroke") or stroke.
• A head injury
• A spinal cord (back) injury
• Bell's palsy (paralysis in 1 half of the face)
• multiple sclerosis

Diagnosis of paralysis: Your healthcare provider will examine you and ask about any injuries. For gradual paralysis, you’ll talk about when you began noticing the problem. To learn more, your healthcare provider may order one or more of these tests:

• X-rays show broken bones that could cause nerve injury.
• Imaging tests, such as a CT scan or MRI, check for signs of stroke or brain injury or spinal cord injury. A whole-body imaging scan shows bones, muscles and tissues.
• Myelogram checks for spinal cord and nerve injuries.
• Electromyogram (EMG) tests the electrical activity of nerves and muscles.
• Spinal tap tests spinal fluid for infection, inflammation and disorders like multiple sclerosis.

Treatment of paralysis: Treatment for paralysis will depend on what's causing it. Temporary paralysis may go away on its own without medical treatment. Things that can help people with paralysis include:

• physiotherapy to maintain strength and muscle mass
• occupational therapy to adapt to everyday tasks like getting dressed
• medicines to relieve problems such as pain, stiffness and muscle spasms

Exercise of paralysis: The following eight exercises can help increase blood circulation and strength by providing a complete workout for those with spinal cord injuries (SCI). Remember, it is important to sit tall and engage the core during the workout. Maintaining good posture not only ensures maximum effectiveness but can also prevent injury.

• Breathing Exercises
• Warm-Up Stretches
• Biceps & Triceps Exercises
• Shoulder Exercises
• Back Exercises
• Chest Exercises
• Core Exercises
• Cool Down - Chair Sun Salutation

Effective management of Paralysis at Spine Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation Centre (SPTRC) in Shyamoli requires teamwork among medical professionals and patients, which in turn improves the patients' quality of life.

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