Paralyzed

Paralyzed is the condition in which a person cannot move all or part of the body due to impairment of the nervous system or brain. Paralysis may affect a single limb or large regions of the body, and can be temporary or permanent. The term is commonly used as an adjective (paralyzed) and the noun form is paralysis.

Paralysis can be categorized by location or by the neural pathways involved. By location: hemiplegia (one side of the body), paraplegia (both legs), tetraplegia or quadriplegia (all four limbs). By pathway: central paralysis from brain or spinal cord injury, and peripheral paralysis from nerve or muscle disease. It can be spastic, with increased tone and reflexes, or flaccid, with reduced tone.

Common causes include stroke, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, neuropathies, poliomyelitis (where present), and congenital conditions such as cerebral palsy. In some diseases, paralysis may be temporary, while in others it can be lifelong.

Diagnosis relies on neurological examination and imaging (MRI or CT), nerve conduction studies, and electromyography to identify the site and nature of nerve or muscle damage. Treatment is cause-specific and generally includes stabilization, prevention of complications, and rehabilitation. Rehabilitation involves physical and occupational therapy, assistive devices, and techniques to improve mobility and independence. Medications may address spasticity, pain, and other symptoms.

Prognosis varies widely. Some people recover significant function after injury or illness, while others experience permanent impairment. Ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, and support services are important components of management for long-term paralysis.