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Overview of Paralysis

Paralysis is a condition characterised by the loss of muscle function in part or most of the body, often caused by damage to the nervous system, especially the spinal cord. Depending on its cause and location, paralysis may be temporary or permanent, partial or complete. It can affect one side, both sides, or a specific area such as the face, legs, or vocal cords. One of the most misunderstood types is sleep paralysis, which is a temporary inability to move or speak while falling asleep or waking up, often accompanied by a feeling of pressure or hallucinations.

Types of Paralysis

1. Monoplegia: Affects one limb, often due to nerve damage or stroke.

2. Hemiplegia: Involves one side of the body; common after a stroke.

3. Paraplegia: Loss of function in both legs, often due to spinal cord injury.

4. Quadriplegia (Tetraplegia): Paralysis of all four limbs and torso.

5. Facial paralysis: Affects facial muscles; commonly seen in Bell’s palsy.

6. Vocal cord/laryngeal paralysis: Affects voice and breathing.

7. Stomach (gastric) paralysis: A rare form known as gastroparesis, often linked to diabetes or medications like Ozempic.

8. Sleep paralysis: Temporary inability to move or speak during sleep transitions.

9.Todd’s paralysis: Temporary paralysis following a seizure.

Symptoms of Paralysis

Sudden or gradual loss of muscle function

Numbness or tingling in affected areas

Muscle stiffness or flaccidity

Difficulty in controlling bladder or bowel movements

Impaired speech or swallowing

Changes in posture or gait

Visual disturbances or facial drooping

Difficulty breathing or speaking (in vocal cord paralysis)

In sleep paralysis: pressure on the chest, hallucinations and fear

Causes of Paralysis

Stroke: The most common cause of adult paralysis

Spinal cord injury: Resulting from accidents or trauma

Neurological disorders: Like multiple sclerosis, ALS, cerebral palsy

Brain injury or tumors

Infections: Including polio, meningitis, or encephalitis

Autoimmune diseases

Congenital defects

Medication side effects: Especially in gastric paralysis (e.g., Ozempic)

Sleep disorders: Leading to sleep paralysis

Complications in Paralysis

Loss of independence and mobility

Pressure ulcers due to immobility

Blood clots in immobile limbs

Muscle atrophy and joint stiffness

Breathing difficulties in severe cases

Emotional issues like depression or anxiety

Sleep disturbances and fatigue

Risk of aspiration pneumonia

Social isolation and low self-esteem

Risk Factors of Paralysis

Advanced age

High blood pressure or cardiovascular diseases

Diabetes and obesity

Neurological conditions (e.g., epilepsy, ADHD)

Family history of paralysis or strokes

Poor sleep hygiene (increases sleep paralysis risk)

Spinal cord diseases or trauma

Certain medications impacting nerve function

Autoimmune conditions like Guillain-Barré syndrome

Preventions of Paralysis

Control of blood pressure, sugar, and cholesterol levels

Wearing safety gear to avoid spinal injuries

Managing sleep and stress to prevent sleep paralysis

Regular exercise to maintain nerve and muscle health

Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol intake

Timely treatment of infections and autoimmune issues

Following medical advice during high-risk pregnancies (to avoid cerebral palsy)

Mindfulness practices to reduce anxiety-related sleep paralysis