Paralysis can be either localised, where it affects only a certain part of the body, or generalised, where it will affect a bigger part of your loved one’s body.

If your loved one is getting a paralytic attack, here are some of the most common symptoms you may notice:

Paralysis can happen for a number of reasons, but the most common paralysis causes are as follows:

1. Spinal cord injury – the nerves inside the spinal cord get damaged.
2. Stroke – the blood that flows to the brain gets blocked, or a blood vessel inside the brain bursts.
3. Multiple sclerosis – affects the central nervous system and disables it.
4. Injury to the brain – causes damage to various important functions such as speech, thought, cognitive abilities, memory and more.

In addition, here are some more conditions that could put your loved one at risk of paralysis symptoms:

1. ALS, or Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis – a type of progressive neurological disease. It is also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
2. Brachial plexus injuries – when the nerves suffer some damage due to injury.
3. Cerebral palsy – when there is some abnormal development in the brain, or the brain suffers from some form of damage.
4. Arteriovenous malformations – types of defects that occur in the circulatory system. These mostly affect unborn babies.
5. Friedrich’s ataxia – type of inherited disease that causes damage to the nervous system.
6. Leukodystrophy – type of progressive and inherited disorder. It affects the spinal cord, nerves and brain.
7. Gulliain-Barre syndrome – the immune system attacks the peripheral nervous system.
8. Lyme disease – type of bacterial infection that is caused by the bites of some types of ticks.
9. Muscular dystrophy – causes degeneration in the skeletal muscles.
10. Spina bifida – type of neural tube defect in which the spinal column cannot close properly.
11. Post-polio syndrome – type of viral condition where the virus attacks those nerves that control motor function.
12. Spinal tumours – an abnormal growth in the tissues that impairs function.

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  Mobility Aids

  Mobility aids will help your loved one movefrom one place to the other. These can beoperated individually, or may require thehelp of a caregiver. Wheelchairs, braces andorthoses are some examples.

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  Assistive Aids

  Assistive aids refer to the different types of technological devices that can help your loved one perform various activities independently. These can also help to improve their mobility and functional skills. Environmental control units and specially adapted computers are some examples.

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  Ways To Manage Pain

  In some cases, your loved one may suffer from nerve damage as a result of paralysis that is caused due to some injury. This happens especially in case of injury to the spinal cord. As a result, your loved one can experience pain in the nerves. Most painkillers will not be effective on neuropathic pain and the doctor may prescribe alternative medicines.

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  Managing Breathing Issues

  Paralysis of the upper neck caused by spinal injury can cause paralysis in the diaphragm. As a result, your loved one can have difficulty in breathing and will require help in the form of a ventilator.

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  Managing Coughing

  Paralysis also causes problems with coughing, when your loved one wants to cough but finds it difficult to do so. This can become a serious health hazard, because when there is a build-up of mucus or secretions in the lungs, it can make the lungs congested and lead to lung infection. A caregiver can help your loved one cough out the mucus. Specialized vests are also available to apply pressure and cause coughing.

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  Managing Muscle Spasm

  Paralysis can cause stiffness and muscle spasms. Muscle relaxants, injectable medicines such as Botox, or intrathecal baclofen therapy can help.

Due to paralysis, your loved one will not be able to feel any sensation in the affected part. Paralysis can affect one side of the body, a condition known as hemiplegia. If it affects both sides of the body, it is known as diplegia.

Paralysis can be caused due to various reasons. The most common reasons are any form of injury that your loved one suffers on the spinal cord or head, a stroke, or multiple sclerosis.

At care24, we offer a host of care services that includes a team of doctors, nurses, attendants, and physiotherapists.

Benefits of hiring a professional physiotherapist from Care24

All our physiotherapists are specially trained to make sure your loved one is able to do the right type of exercises in the comfort of his or her home.

1. The physiotherapist will check the affected areas and suggest the right exercise and therapy plan that will work best for your loved one.
2. The therapist will first aim to improve your loved one’s overall strength and stamina.
3. Next, the therapist will help your loved one start with warm-up exercises and move to regular ones that will speed up the recovery process.
4. Once the therapy sessions come to an end, the therapist will also teach your loved one how to perform the same at home independently.

Benefits of hiring a professional caregiver from Care24

All our nurses and attendants are specially trained to make sure your loved one gets the best paralysis care in the comfort of his or her home.

1. The caregiver will examine the skin and look for signs of bed sores.
2. Look for ingrown toenails.
3. Move your loved one every 2 or 3 hours in the day and night to prevent bed sores.
4. Keep your loved one’s head in an elevated position while sleeping if suggested by the doctor.
5. Check the mattress at regular intervals and turn or change it if required.
6. Help to clean your loved one and make sure the areas prone to bed sores are dry and clean.
7. Give timely medication and inform the medical team as and whenever needed.