1. Traumatic Injury Is Number One Cause
Motor vehicle accidents, falls, high contact sports accidents and acts of violence are the most common causes of paralysis. These traumas can cause a broken neck or broken back and damage the spinal cord, which in turn causes paralysis. The leading cause of paralysis from non-trauma is stroke. Other causes of paralysis include birth defects, infections and autoimmune disease. Paralysis is a complete loss of muscle function, which may be temporary or permanent.
2. Injury Location Determines the Amount of Paralysis
Paralysis and loss of muscle function occur below the level of the spinal cord injury. If you injure the spine in the lumbar region, only the muscles below that are affected and you should retain full use of the upper body. Paralysis can affect only one side, called unilateral paralysis or both sides, which is bilateral paralysis. Paralysis from a stroke occurs on the opposite side of the stroke and only one side of the body is affected; paralysis on one side is called hemiplegia. When the lower part of the body and legs are affected, it's called paraplegia and if all the arms and legs are affected, it's called quadraplegia.
3. Minimizing Movement Is a Priority
Treatment for paralysis begins at the site of the accident. Paramedics or emergency workers will keep you as still and straight as possible. They will place a collar around your neck and place you on a back board to minimize movement while you're on the way to the hospital. At the hospital, vital signs will be closely monitored. Testing will be done to determine the severity and location of the injury, and you may be sedated while undergoing a CT scan or MRI. Steroids may be given to reduce the swelling and you may have surgery to repair the injury.
4. Long Term Rehabilitation Is Required
After the initial treatment for your injury, you may be moved to a special rehabilitation center where you will learn how to transfer from a chair to the bed, activities of daily living and special exercises. Physical therapy and occupational therapy will be part of your daily life while at a rehabilitation center. You will learn how to use special assist devices safely. Long term treatment for paralysis starts at the beginning of treatment. Treatments are based on strengthening muscles and improving movements as well as regaining muscle movement in the affected area.
5. Complications of Paralysis May Arise
Most complications from paralysis occur as a result of the lack of movement. Muscle wasting and muscle contractures, pressure sores, bowel and bladder control issues and infections are all possible complications in long term care. Skin problems from the lack of circulation can also become a problem. Range of motion exercises should be done daily to alleviate some of these complications.
