Understanding Paralysis and the underlying Causes

Paralysis is a condition of paralysis due to nerve disorders that play a role in regulating the movement of the muscles of the body. The paralysis keeps the limbs from moving. People who suffer strokes or suffer spinal injuries most often suffer from this condition.

Paralysis has a big impact on life because it affects bodily functions. Therefore, see 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 more areas of the body, depending on the cause. The most commonly affected body parts include:

• hands
• face
• one side of the body (hemiplegia)
• hands or feet
• Both hands and feet (quadriplegia or quadriplegia)
• both members (paraplegia)

Besides being difficult to move, other symptoms of paralysis are stiffness accompanied by tremors, numbness, pain, tingling and muscle weakness. Difficulty speaking, difficulty swallowing and breathing difficulties can also indicate paralysis that requires treatment as soon as possible.
Causes of paralysis

Although exposed to body muscles, paralysis is not caused by problems with the muscles. Paralysis is actually caused by abnormal motor nerves or spinal nerves that send brain movement messages.

The causes of paralysis are not always the same. Different symptoms, different causes. Here is an example:

Some symptoms of stroke that may occur are paralysis of one side of the face, stiff hands suddenly, accompanied by speech disorders and weakness of the limbs.

Bell Paralysis

Suddenly paralyzed on one side of the face. The symptoms of Bell's palsy in each person may be different, sometimes accompanied by pain in the ears and face.

Multiple sclerosis

The first symptom of multiple sclerosis can be visual disturbances, pain or tingling, and slowly develops into paralysis of the face, arms and legs.

injury

Impact or trauma to the head that interferes with brain function can cause paralysis. In addition, damage to the spinal nerves can also cause paralysis.

Motor neuron disease

Progressive 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, speech problems, difficulty swallowing and psychological disorders. The appearance of symptoms in a brain tumor depends on the type, location and size of the brain tumor.

Post-folio syndrome

The paralysis occurred several years after it was attacked by polio.

Cerebral palsy

Paralysis from birth. This condition is caused by congenital abnormalities.

Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)

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

Sleep paralysis

Temporary paralysis when you start to fall asleep or wake up. This condition is also called depression. In addition to paralysis, people with depression may also experience hallucinations.

How to overcome paralysis

The diagnosis is based on monitoring the history of symptoms experienced by the patient. In addition, doctors will also conduct physical and supportive examinations such as MRI, CT scan, blood tests, and electrical nerve conductivity testing. After the cause of the paralysis is known, the treatment of paralysis will be adjusted according to the degree of paralysis and the diagnosis of the disease.

Generally, patients need aids such as wheelchairs for daily mobility. In addition, people with paralysis are encouraged to undergo physiotherapy. Physiotherapy is useful for increasing strength and muscle mass. Medications may also be needed to reduce spasms, stiffness and muscle aches. Paralysis requires treatment and supervision by a hospital doctor.

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 those affected. Therefore, if there are signs and symptoms that cause paralysis, seek medical help immediately.