Four Types of Parlysis: a Complete Overview

 According to the common man, paralysis means "the complete inability of movement, to feel touch, or to regulate bodily sensations."

Although this is often true, it may not be enough to explain the level of immobility that a person may experience. The true meaning of paralysis, however, is much more nuanced. This is because the degree to which an individual is unable to move (either their entire body or a part of it) can change over a period. The degree of recovery, be it complete or only partial, will depend on a number of factors, including the patient's level, medical history, and how active they are.

In simple words, it means that the body is unable to move. This could be permanent or temporary. It occurs as a result of nerve damage.

There are different types of paralysis

There are 4 types of paralysis, classified according to their degree of immobility. This is determined by which type of nerves has been injured. These four types are

Monoplegia

This is a paralysis that affects a specific part of the human body. In many cases it is just one arm. The person with monoplegia can still control the rest of the body but is unable to move or feel the sensations on the affected part. Cerebral palsy is one of the main causes of monoplegia. The following are other causes for this form of paralysis:

• Stroke
• Tumors
• Nerve damage caused either by disease or injury
• Nerve impingement
• Motor neuron damage
• Brain injury
• The nerves are damaged by impact or at the site of injury.

Hemiplegia

This type of paralysis affects both the arms and legs of the same body side. It is also possible that cerebral palsy causes this. The intensity of the condition may vary between individuals and with time.

The onset of hemiplegia typically begins with the sensation of pins & needles, then progresses to weakness in muscles, culminating in complete paralysis. The degree of functioning in people with hemiplegia varies from day-to-day depending on overall health, age, level of activity and other factors.

Hemiplegia may be temporary. The patient's recovery depends on the treatment they receive, including early interventions such a physical therapy or occupational therapy.

Note Hemiplegia differs from hemiparesis. In this situation, the patient will experience weakness on the affected side. Hemiparesis, in particular for those with neurological disorders, can be an early warning sign of hemiplegia.

Paraplegia

This type is defined as impaired movement below waist level. It is usually both legs, hips as well as other functions.

Many people misunderstand paralysis as the inability of a person below the waist to walk or move their legs. Paraplegia is subjective, so it can differ from person to person. It can lead to significant mobility loss, but it does not always result in complete and permanent paralysis.

People with paraplegia are able to recover completely on their own! These stories are great examples of how paraplegia can be overcome.

A spinal injury is most often the cause of paraplegia. These injuries interfere with the brain’s ability to receive and send signals below the site of injury. Some triggers are:

• Spinal cord infections
• Spinal cord lesions
• Brain tumors
• Brain infections
• Nerve damage is very rare in the hips, buttocks and waist
• Choking or other surgical accidents, violence or similar causes may cause brain oxygen deprivation.
• Stroke
• Congenital malformations affecting the brain and spinal cord

Paraplegia Vs Hemiplegia

Paraplegia is often confused with hemiplegia. The lower half, or legs, are usually affected. The latter can affect one side, which could be the arm, leg, face or combination of all three.

Quadriplegia

This paralysis is characterized by immobility beneath the neck. Also called tetraplegia it affects not only the torso but also all four extremities. As with paraplegia, the degree of disability varies according to the person. Some quadriplegics recover their full or partially function by themselves, while others slowly retrain their minds and bodies using specialised exercises and physical therapies.

Quadriplegia, sometimes, can be caused by temporary spinal cord compression, brain injuries or strokes.

The spinal cord injury is by far the most common reason for quadriplegia. Other causes include:

• Strokes or infections can lead to brain injuries.
• Spinal lesions and brain tumors
• Spinal tumors and brain tumors
• Spinal and cerebral infections
• Nervous damage of catastrophic magnitude
• Congenital abnormalities
• Early brain injury is a serious problem, especially if it occurs before or during childbirth
• Allergic reactions of drugs
• Overdoses due to drugs or alcohol

Stem cell treatment for paralysis

Stem cell therapy is an effective way to treat paralysis. Many patients show improvement in mobility, range of motion, and flexibility.

Plexus uses mesenchymal stromal cells to deal with spinal cord injury.

Injected injected MSCs form synapses that are new and sprouting axons, which help to grow new neurons. In time, the cells transmit messages to and from the spinal chord. Improved cell structure can help restore mobility and blood supply.

Call us today to find out more about Stem Cell Therapy for Paralysis at Plexus.

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