Paralysis

What is it?Who is affectedSigns and symptomsCausesWhat happens to the bodyDifferent variationsTreatmentsHow treatment works

By: Heather, Jeffrey, Jamie, Angeline

What is paralysis?

Paralysis is the complete loss of muscle function for one or more muscle groups.

Paralysis often includes loss of feeling in the affected area.

Types of ParalysisParalysis is caused by

damage to a neuron (nerve supplying to muscle)

Upper motor neurons convey the message from the brain to the nervous system

-Damage causes an increased tightening in muscle called spasticity.

Lower motor neurons provide the final path for the signal to reach the muscle

-Damage leads to loss of tone called flaccidity

Types of paralysis symptoms Facial paralysis Sleep paralysis Jaw paralysis Leg paralysis Partial paralysis Total paralysis Muscle paralysis Paraplegia Flaccid paralysis Ankle paralysis Arm paralysis Elbow paralysis Eye paralysis Finger paralysis Foot paralysis Jaw paralysis Knee paralysis Thigh paralysis Wrist paralysis

paraplegia

Signs and symptoms

Sudden paralysis is most often caused by injury or stroke.

Damage to the right side of the brain- paralysis on the left side of the body

Damage to the spine-equal sided paralysis

• Damage to the lower spine- paralysis of both legs (paraplegia)

• Damage done higher on the spine - paralysis of all four limbs (quadriplegia)

More signs and symptomssymptoms may include :numbness tingling pain changes in vision difficulties with speech problems with balancedifficulties in

breathing.

Numbness

Tingling in leg

Variations of ParalysisNoted by severity -Plegia: Total loss of

movement ability (true paralysis) -Paresis: Only muscle

weakness -Palsy: Means the

same thing as paralysis (another common term)

Upper and Lower Neuron Damage The range of causes is very vast

and is complicated further when both neuron groups are affected.

Conditions that affect the brain and spinal cord usually result in upper motor neuron damage

-i.e. Stroke, tumors, multiple sclerosis, spinal bifida, cerebral palsy, or severe injury to the neck, head, or back

Lower motor neuron damage resulting in flaccid paralysis is less common and can occur when an injury to a limb involves a nerve supplying to muscle

-i.e. An injury to the upper arm could lead to the loss of movement in the hand and forearm

PolyneuropathiesA large number of rather

rare disorders that can cause more widespread paralysis

Can be inheritedMay be triggered by drugs,

allergies, or poisonMay be a symptom of

diabetesA more well known

example would be poliomyelitis

Motor Neuron DiseaseA group of progressive

neurological disorders that destroy motor neurons

Causes both types of

paralysis -This can also occur when

people suffer severe injuries such as head or spinal injury, along with lower motor neuron paralysis from injury to the nerves providing to muscle.

Who is affected?

Strokes (certain types)

Spinal cord injuriesBroken necksNeurological diseasesAutoimmune diseasesBell’s palsy

Source: Medline Plus

Treatments and how the treatment worksPhysical therapy

MobilityRange of motionMuscle strength

Source: Health A to Z

Treatments and how the treatment works

Occupational therapyModify homeAllow self-care

Other Respiratory therapistPsychologistSpeech therapist

Respiratory therapist

Work cited pageHealth A to ZMedline PlusBrain an spine foundationWrong diagnosis

Power point and presentation by: Heather, Jamie, Jeffrey and Angeline