paralysis treatment at home

what is paralysis?

Paralysis refers to the loss of muscle function in part of the body due to damage or malfunction of the nervous system. It can result in the inability to move or control specific muscles, often leading to loss of sensation and function in the affected area. Paralysis can be temporary or permanent and may occur as a result of conditions such as stroke, spinal cord injury, or neurological disorders.

Content is medically reviewed by:

Shruti Bangera, Masters In Neurological Physiotherapy, Senior Physiotherapist & SME, Portea

what are types of paralysis?

It comes in many forms, and the extent to which a person is immobilized may change over time as physical therapy, changes in health and sheer luck alter the way the body responds to physical damage. Typically paralysis is divided into four categories, though there are uncountable ways that the body can be injured. The four types of paralysis are:

1. Monoplegia – paralysis accompanied with involuntary tremors.
2. Hemiplagia – paralysis of the one side of the body – face, arms and legs.
3. Paraplegia – paralysis of the lower half of the body.
4. Quadriplegia – paralysis of the arms and legs.

1. MONOPLEGIA:

Monoplegia is a paralysis that denotes partial or complete loss of voluntary motor function in one limb. Monoplegia affected people retain control over the rest of their body, but cannot move or feel sensations in the affected limb.

2. HEMIPLEGIA:

Hemiplegia affects an arm and a leg on the same side of the body. Hemiplegia often begins with a sensation of pins and needles, progresses to muscle weakness, and then to complete paralysis.

3. PARAPLEGIA:

Paraplegia is a spinal cord injury that paralyses the lower limbs. It is a result of severe damage to the spinal cord and the nervous system. It mainly affects the trunk, legs, and pelvic region, resulting in loss of movement. The affected people cannot walk, move their legs, or feel anything below the waist. Paraplegics are able to regain some functioning with physical therapy, which works to retrain the brain and spinal cord to work around limitations while strengthening muscles and nerve connections.

4. QUADRIPLEGIA:

Quadriplegia or Tetraplegia is a medical condition in which the lower extremities, upper extremities, and almost the entire trunk/torso get paralyzed. Some people with quadriplegia spontaneously regain some or all functioning, while others slowly retrain their brains and bodies through dedicated physical therapy and exercise.

causes of paralysis

Paralysis is the result of damage to the nervous system, especially the spinal cord. Paralysis can be due to many reasons that can range from injury, accidents and diseases. Some of the major reasons of paralysis are Stroke, Brain Injury Trauma with nerve injury, Cerebral Palsy, Lyme disease, Botulism, ALS, Peripheral Neuropathy, Poliomyelitis, Spina Bifida, Multiple Sclerosis, Muscular Dystrophy and Guillian – Barre Syndrome among others.

paralysis of the left side of the body

Paralysis of the left side of the body or ‘Left Hemiplegia’, is the paralysis of the entire left side of a person, from the face muscle to the left legs. Complete treatment of Paralysis of the left side of the body is possible through the help of medication and physiotherapy for paralysis.

causes for paralysis of the left side of the body:

• Paralysis of the left side of the body is caused due Hemorrhage or blood clot in the right hemisphere of the brain.
• Spine Fracture and or internal bleeding can also cause paralysis of the left side of the body.
• Various neurological conditions like Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Multiple Sclerosis, Inherited muscle disease and cerebral palsy can lead to paralysis of the left side of the body.
• Basically any disease or injury affecting the right hemisphere of the brain can cause Paralysis of the left side of the body.

symptoms of paralysis especially the paralysis of the left side of the body:

Sometimes paralysis can be sudden in many cases, owing to various conditions, while in other cases it can be slow and gradual. Few of the paralysis symptoms are as follows;

• Gradual loss of muscle control.
• Unable to use arms and legs properly.
• Weakened vision in the left eye.
• Difficulty in swallowing.
• Loss of balance or walking with a limp.
• Loss of control in the bowel and bladder movement.
• Slurred speech

what are the causes of paralysis?

The most common reason for paralysis is the stroke which has the ability to injure the brain and obstruct the relationship with the spinal cord.

The main causes of paralysis are

• Spinal cord injury: Damage to the spinal cord resulting in loss of function, sensation, or movement below the site of injury. This can lead to paralysis or weakness depending on the severity and location of the injury.
• Multiple sclerosis: A chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord. It can cause a wide range of symptoms such as fatigue, muscle weakness, numbness, and problems with coordination and balance.
• Cerebral palsy: A group of neurological disorders that affect movement, posture, and muscle coordination. It is caused by damage to the developing brain, usually before or during birth, and can result in lifelong challenges with movement and motor skills.
• Post-polio syndrome:  A condition that affects individuals who have previously had polio, causing new muscle weakness, fatigue, and pain years after recovering from the initial illness.
• Neurofibromatosis: A genetic disorder that causes tumors to grow on nerve tissue, leading to a range of symptoms depending on the type and location of the tumors. These symptoms can include skin abnormalities, vision problems, and nerve-related issues.
• Traumatic brain injury: Damage to the brain caused by an external force, such as a blow or jolt to the head. It can result in a wide range of physical, cognitive, and emotional impairments, depending on the severity and location of the injury.
• Birth defects: Structural or functional abnormalities present at birth, which can affect various parts of the body, including the brain, spine, heart, limbs, and organs. These defects may be caused by genetic factors, environmental exposures, or a combination of both.

symptoms of paralysis:

Our sense of movement is controlled by the communication between the sensory nerves and the central nervous system. Disruption of the communication of nerve impulses anywhere along the pathway from the brain to the muscle can impair control of muscle movement and cause muscle weakness and loss of coordination. Muscle weakness can progress to paralysis. Paralysis symptoms can occur anywhere in the body.

Some of the symptoms of paralysis attack are:

• Loss of consciousness
• Clumsiness and numbness
• A Severe headache
• Difficulty breathing
• Drooling
• Cognitive difficulties, difficulty writing or speaking
• Changes in mood or behavior
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Loss or changes in vision and/or hearing
• Nausea with or without vomiting

Portea’s Other Services

With Portea, you’re not just getting the best paralysis physiotherapy Treatment At Home with physiotherapist for paralysis; you’re gaining a partner in your journey to recovery and well-being. We also offer a range of superior healthcare services, including doctor consultations, medical equipment, nursing care, and dedicated trained attendants. Rely on us for top-tier healthcare solutions tailored to your requirements.

MEET OUR PHYSIOTHERAPISTS FOR PARALYSIS

Dr.L Swarna Harini-MPT/BPT – 6 years Experience

Dr. Hari Prasad M – MPT – 4 years Experience.

Dr.Neha Suhas Kulkarni – MPT- 4.5 years Experiences

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references

• http://www.stroke.org/we-can-help/survivors/stroke-recovery/post-stroke-conditions/physical/paralysis
• https://www.christopherreeve.org/living-with-paralysis/health/causes-of-paralysis
• https://medlineplus.gov/paralysis.html

faqs

How can you care for a patient with paralysis at home?

Ensuring the patient’s skin remains dry and clean is essential in caring for a paralyzed individual. Regularly massaging the patient, particularly on ulcer-prone areas, at least 3-4 times daily is recommended. If the skin develops blisters, it’s important to prevent them from bursting to minimize the risk of infection.

Is it possible to regain function after experiencing paralysis?

Permanent paralysis lacks a cure as the spinal cord cannot regenerate on its own. However, temporary paralysis, such as Bell’s palsy, may resolve spontaneously without intervention. Physical, occupational, and speech therapy can assist in managing paralysis by offering exercises and utilizing adaptive devices to enhance functionality.

Which foods are beneficial for individuals with paralysis?

Emphasize protein-rich foods and snacks, as protein is crucial for supporting the immune system. Integrate lean protein sources into your diet, including animal products like chicken, fish, eggs, and dairy. Additionally, plant-based protein options such as peanut butter, beans and legumes, as well as nuts and seeds, can also contribute to meeting your protein needs.

How can you guide exercises for a patient with paralysis?

Guide the patient to move both legs from left to right across their body, repeating this motion 30 times. Then, instruct them to lie on their back with knees bent and feet flat on the floor, rolling their bent left knee to one side before switching legs.

How can I find home physiotherapy services near me?

For those in searching for “paralysis physiotherapy near me” or “physiotherapist for paralysis near me” on Google, Portea’s exceptional in-home physiotherapy for paralysis patient are the preferred choice.