Paralysis is loss or substantial impairment of voluntary muscle movement in part or all of the body because of disruption of the nervous system or, less commonly, other mechanisms affecting motor function.
Paralysis can result from conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, neuromuscular junctions, or muscles. It may be temporary or permanent and can affect one limb, one side of the body, both legs, all four limbs, or other distributions.
Common causes include stroke, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, and certain neurological disorders.
QUICK FACT
Paralysis does not always mean loss of sensation. Some people lose movement while retaining some ability to feel touch, pain, or temperature.
COMMONLY CONFUSED WITH
- Weakness: reduced muscle strength that may be partial rather than complete.
- Numbness: reduced or absent sensation, which may occur with paralysis but is a different neurological problem.
SEE ALSO