Understanding Paralysis: Symptoms, Reasons & Management

What is Paralysis?

Paralysis means not being able to move a part of your body — or sometimes most of it — either for a short time or permanently. Why does it happen? The nervous system is divided into two parts: 

• The central nervous system (CNS), which includes the spinal cord and the brain. 
• The peripheral nervous system (PNS), which includes the nerves outside of the central nervous system. 

The neurons or nerve cells in the peripheral nervous system serve several functions. Motor neurons, for example, regulate muscle movement. Paralysis occurs when the nerve signals are interrupted due to damage caused to the nerves, spinal cord, or brain. 

What are the Causes of Paralysis?

Paralysis can be a symptom of several different conditions that affect the nerves and muscles. 

Reasons for Paralysis

• A mini-stroke or a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke (paralysis in one half of the face along with arm weakness) 
• A back or spinal cord injury
• A head injury 
• Bell’s paralysis or Bell’s palsy (paralysis in one half of the face) 
• Multiple sclerosis 

Note: Sometimes, paralysis can also be temporary, for example, having sleep paralysis or long term such as muscular dystrophy. 

Also, some of the paralysis causes may also be a brain tumour or certain types of cancer such as head or neck cancer. 

Consult a neurologist if you or someone close to you has paralysis that: 

• Comes and goes 
• Started gradually 
• Is getting slowly worse 

What are the Symptoms of Paralysis?

If an individual has paralysis, he/she is partly or entirely unable to move the affected regions of the body. Paralysis may also be affected by a loss of sensation based on the location of the injury. You may have paralysis if: 

• You are unable to move a part or all of your face and body 
• Your face and body is numb, weak, painful and tingles at all times 
• Your face or body is stiff with twitches and muscle spasms 
• These symptoms may start suddenly or gradually and may come and go.

Severity of Paralysis

Some people may experience temporary paralysis and regain movement partially or fully. For example, Bell’s paralysis temporarily paralyses facial muscles. On the other hand, permanent paralysis means that an individual may never regain muscle control. This condition is irreversible. 

Paralysis can affect any part of the body. It can be: 

• Paresis (partial): You have control over some muscles, but not all. 
• Complete: You have no control over any muscle in the body. 

Paralysis can be categorised into two types based on the area of injury in the nervous system: 

• Spastic: Tightening of the muscles, causing uncontrollable spasms and jerks (spasticity). 
• Flaccid: Shrinking of the muscles. 
• Note: Palsy is the term used for paralysis accompanied by tremors. 

Diagnosis of Paralysis

The diagnosis of paralysis involves a physical examination and discussion about any previous injuries in the initial stage. In case of gradual paralysis, you may be asked to discuss the onset of symptoms. For a better understanding of the condition, a doctor may order one or more of the following tests: 

• X-rays show broken bones that could potentially cause nerve injury 
• Imaging tests, such as a MRI or CT scan determine signs of stroke, brain injury or spinal cord injury. A full-body imaging scan shows tissues, muscles and bones 
• A myelogram checks for nerve and spinal cord injuries 
• Electromyogram (EMG) tests electrical activity of the nerves and muscles 
• Lumbar puncture or spinal tap detects inflammation, infection or disorders like multiple sclerosis (MS) in the spinal fluid. 

Complications of Paralysis

Paralysis can have an impact on other bodily functions such as heart rate and breathing. The condition itself may include other body systems in the affected region. Depending on the type of paralysis, you may also be at a risk for: 

• Coughing, difficulty in breathing, and pneumonia
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and blood clots 
• Dysphagia (Speech or swallowing issues) 
• Depression and anxiety 
• Sexual problems such as erectile dysfunction
• Excessively high blood pressure or low blood pressure and heart problems 
• Loss of bowel control and urinary incontinence 
• Sepsis and pressure injuries (bedsores) 

Treatment of Paralysis: Medical and Surgical Interventions

While many forms of paralysis are permanent, modern medical science focuses on two main goals: treating the underlying cause to prevent further damage and utilizing advanced interventions to restore as much function as possible. At Artemis Hospitals, a multidisciplinary team of neurologists and neurosurgeons employs a combination of the following treatments. 

Medical Interventions

Medical treatment is often the first line of defense, especially during the "acute" phase immediately following a stroke or injury. 

• Thrombolytic Therapy: For paralysis caused by an ischemic stroke, "clot-busting" drugs like tPA (Tissue Plasminogen Activator) can dissolve the blockage and potentially reverse paralysis if administered within the first few hours. 
• Anti-Inflammatory & Steroid Medications: In cases of spinal cord injury or conditions like Bell’s Palsy, high-dose corticosteroids may be used to reduce swelling around the nerves, preventing secondary damage. 
• Spasticity Management: Medications are used to relax stiff, contracted muscles (spastic paralysis), improving mobility and reducing pain. 
• Neuropathic Pain Relief: Specialized medications help manage the "phantom" pain or tingling sensations often associated with nerve damage. 

Surgical Interventions 

Surgery is utilized when there is a physical obstruction or when nerve "rewiring" is possible. 

• Decompression Surgery: This involves removing bone fragments, herniated discs, or tumors that are pressing on the spinal cord or brain. Procedures like Laminectomy create space for the nerves to heal. 
• Nerve and Tendon Transfers: Innovative surgeries where healthy nerves or tendons from one part of the body are rerouted to "reanimate" a paralyzed limb. This is frequently used at Artemis to restore hand or facial movement. 
• Spinal Stabilization: Surgeons use rods, screws, or bone grafts to fuse and stabilize the spine after a traumatic fracture, preventing further nerve injury. 
• Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) Implants: In advanced cases, devices like a Phrenic Nerve Stimulator can be surgically implanted to help patients breathe without a ventilator by electrically stimulating the diaphragm. 

Why Choose Artemis Hospitals?

Choosing Artemis Hospitals for paralysis treatment means placing your trust in a centre that combines advanced neuro-diagnostics, experienced neurologists and neurosurgeons, and comprehensive rehabilitation under one roof. With a patient-focused approach, multidisciplinary care, and state-of-the-art technology, the team works not only to treat the underlying cause but also to maximise recovery and improve quality of life. From emergency intervention to long-term rehabilitation support, Artemis ensures continuity of care at every step of the journey toward recovery.