PARALYSIS

PARALYSIS

The precise type of paralysis a person experiences depends on the underlying cause. With Bell’s palsy, for example, the paralysis is usually localized, which means it only affects a small area of the person’s body. Typically, only one side of the person’s face becomes paralyzed as the facial nerve on that side becomes inflamed. When only one side of a person’s body is affected, paralysis is considered unilateral. When it affects both sides, it is bilateral.

A person who has experienced a stroke, on the other hand, may experience weakness throughout his or her body. This is referred to as global paralysis. Conversely, the person may only experience weakness on one side of his or her body. Medically, this is known as hemiplegia.

Generally, the most severe form of paralysis is caused by damage to the spinal cord. A person who experiences trauma in his or her upper spinal cord may develop quadriplegia as a result. A person who is quadriplegic is unable to move his or her arms and legs. Injury to the lower spinal cord may cause paraplegia, which results in either the legs or the arms becoming paralyzed.

In severe cases of paralysis, it may be necessary for the individual to be fed through feeding tubes. Occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech therapy may also be necessary to help treat paralysis.