Paralysis

Paralysis is the loss or impairment of voluntary muscular power. Depending on the cause, paralysis can affect a specific muscle group or a much larger area. Paraplegia is the term used to describe loss of muscle function in the legs. Quadriplegia is the term used to define muscular function in both the arms and legs.

Additionally, paralysis is often accompanied by the loss of feeling in the affected area. Paralysis is generally caused by damage to the nervous system, and especially to the spinal cord. Many medical conditions can lead to paralysis including cerebral palsy, ALS, spina bifida, etc. However, paralysis is often caused by trauma to the spine. Spinal cord injuries may come from damage to the vertebrae, ligaments, discs in the spinal column, or there may be damage to the spinal cord. If there is a serious hit to your spine that fractures or compresses your vertebrae then you likely will have a spinal cord injury.

Gunshot wounds or stabbings can also do this to the spinal cord. There may more problems that arise if there is either bleeding or swelling around the spinal cord. The spinal cord is comprised of soft tissue that is surrounded by bones and it goes from the base of your brain, which is comprised of nerve cells that get transmitted all of your body. The end of your spinal cord comes to a halt at your waist.

Tracts in the spinal cord will relay messages between your brain and your body. Sensory tracts transmit signals, such as pain and sensation, from your brain to your body, so you can see how people can lose feeling and sensation if there is trauma that causes a disruption in the signals being transmitted.

In particular, if there is damage to the nerve fibers, this will impact some, if not all, of your muscles and nerves beneath the place where you were injured. A chest or low back injury can have a big impact on your torso and legs, whereas a neck injury has an impact on your arms and breathe.

We recognize that paralysis can be a devastating, life changing diagnosis. Often paralysis is caused by work related injuries, and motor vehicle accidents. Medical expenses, loss of income, emotional distress of the patient and loved ones can be immense.

COMMON REASONS FOR PARALYSIS

• Car accidents
• Bicycle accidents
• Truck accidents
• Crosswalk accidents
• Falls from a roof at a construction site
• Motorcycle accidents
• Construction Accidents
• On the job injuries
• Worksite injuries
• Crane accidents

If you have been injured to the point you are suffering paralysis, or if you’re completely paralyzed, it’s likely from one of the above-listed reasons. Paralysis is a serious condition that will not likely just go away with time. Most of the time you will have to receive extensive medical care to either cure you or treat your injuries from paralysis, but getting connected with the right medical care is crucial.