Paralysis treatment at home

Paralysis is classified into numerous types

Monoplegia

A monoplegia is a paralysis that affects only one limb, such as an arm or leg.

Hemiplegia

It is a type of paralysis that affects one side of the body and is often caused by a stroke.

Paraplegia

Paralysis of both legs and, in certain cases, the lower trunk caused by spinal cord injury.

Quadriplegia (Tetraplegia)

Paralysis of all four limbs and the trunk, frequently caused by severe spinal cord injuries or neurological disorders.

Diplegia

It is characterized by paralysis of the same bodily component on both sides, such as both legs or both arms. Generalized (or complete) paralysis: paralysis that affects the entire body and can be caused by illnesses such as advanced syphilis.

The following are some of the causes of paralysis:

Stroke

A blockage of blood flow to the brain. Damage to the spinal cord can result in a loss of motor function below the level of lesion.

Nerve damage

Trauma, illnesses such as multiple sclerosis, and ailments such as neuropathy can all cause nerve damage. Traumatic brain injuries or disorders affecting the brain can result in paralysis. Autoimmune diseases, such as Guillain-Barré syndrome, can induce temporary paralysis. Neurodegenerative illnesses, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), can result in gradual paralysis. Paralysis symptoms can range from slight muscular weakness to full loss of motor function, and the amount and severity of paralysis are determined by the underlying cause and location of the injury in the neurological system. Depending on the cause and prognosis, treatment may include physical therapy, assistive devices, drugs, or, in certain circumstances, surgery. Treatment is to improve a person's function and quality of life.

Symptoms of Paralysis

Paralysis symptoms can vary greatly depending on the underlying cause and location of the injury in the neurological system. The loss of muscular function and control in part or all of the body is characterized by paralysis. The following are some frequent symptoms and indicators of paralysis:

Muscle Weakness

This is frequently the first observable sign. Afflicted muscles may feel weak, and people may find it difficult to move the affected body area. Complete or partial lack of voluntary movement in the afflicted region, such as an arm, leg, or both. Individuals with paralysis may feel diminished or full loss of sensation in the afflicted region, in addition to losing muscular control. They may be incapable of sensing pain, touch, warmth, or pressure.

Inability to Perform Daily Activities

Paralysis can make doing ordinary actions like walking, dressing, eating, or holding items difficult or impossible.

Muscular Spasticity or Stiffness

In certain situations, paralysis is followed with muscular spasms, tightness, or stiffness, which can be uncomfortable and make movement difficult. Deep tendon reflexes, such as the knee-jerk reflex, may be missing or reduced in paralyzed limbs.

Changes in Appearance

Due to a lack of muscular function, afflicted limbs may seem smaller or atrophied depending on the severity of the paralysis.

Difficulties managing the Bladder and Bowel

Lower-body paralysis, such as paraplegia, can cause problems managing the bladder and bowel processes.

Breathing Issues

Severe paralysis, particularly if it affects the muscles involved in breathing, might cause respiratory problems. Pain & Discomfort: Some people with paralysis may have pain or discomfort in the paralyzed area due to nerve injury, pressure sores, or other circumstances. It's vital to remember that paralysis symptoms can vary widely depending on the source, location, and amount of the neurological injury. The prognosis and treatment options for paralysis vary depending on the underlying illness. If someone develops sudden or inexplicable paralysis, it is critical to seek medical help as soon as possible for a correct diagnosis and treatment.

Paralysis Treatment at Home

How does physiotherapy help in Paralysis?

Physiotherapy, often known as physical therapy, is essential in the rehabilitation and care of those who have paralysis. It is a subspecialty of medicine that focuses on restoring and increasing physical function, mobility, and overall well-being in patients suffering from various health disorders, including paralysis. Here's how physiotherapy may assist with paralysis:

Improving Muscle Strength and Function

Physiotherapists collaborate with patients to create personalized exercise programs targeted at strengthening damaged or paralyzed muscles. To promote muscular contractions, they employ procedures such as resistance training and functional electrical stimulation (FES). This can aid in the restoration of some muscular function and control.

Exercises for Range of Motion (ROM)

Physiotherapy includes exercises for range of motion (ROM) that assist maintain or increase joint flexibility. Maintaining joint mobility is critical for preventing contractures and muscle rigidity in paralyzed limbs. Physiotherapists assist patients with paralysis in learning how to utilize mobility aids such as wheelchairs, walkers , and orthotic devices. They teach transfer and safe mobility practices, which can improve independence and quality of life.

Gait Training

Physiotherapists give gait training to those who have partial paralysis or are attempting to restore their ability to walk. This includes teaching people how to walk with assistance devices or braces, as well as relearning walking patterns.

Pain Management

Some people with paralysis have pain as a result of muscle spasms, joint disorders, or nerve abnormalities. Physiotherapists treat pain and discomfort using a variety of modalities, manual treatments, and exercises. Physiotherapists analyze the risk of falls and provide techniques to lessen that risk. To increase stability, they may concentrate on balance and coordination exercises.

Respiratory Care

Physiotherapists can administer breathing exercises to optimize lung function and prevent respiratory problems in situations of paralysis affecting the respiratory muscles.

Assistive Devices and Adaptive Techniques

Physiotherapists can recommend and support people who are paralyzed in using assistive devices and adaptive techniques to help them with everyday tasks. These may include specialized wheelchairs, adaptable equipment, and dressing, grooming, and transferring skills.

Patient Education

Education is an important component of physiotherapy. Patients and carers are informed about their disease, treatment plan, and methods for preserving or enhancing physical function and general health.

Coping with the obstacles of paralysis may be emotionally and psychologically draining. Individuals and their families are frequently supported, motivated, and encouraged by physiotherapists during the recovery process.

Physiotherapy for paralysis is highly individualized and focuses on each person's unique requirements and goals. It is usually part of a multidisciplinary rehabilitation strategy that includes input from physicians, occupational therapists, and other healthcare experts. The ultimate goal is to assist people who are paralyzed in achieving the best degree of function, independence, and quality of life possible.

References

1.   Anderson KD. Targeting recovery: priorities of the spinal cord-injured population. J Neurotrauma. 2004 Oct;21(10):1371–1383.

2.   Spinal Cord Injury Facts and Figures at a Glance. NSCISC. Published 2018.

4.   Accessed May 14, 2020. Evangelista Santos Barcelos AC, Scardino FB, Patriota GC, Rotta JM, Botelho RV. Paraparesis or incomplete paraplegia? How should we call it? NCBI . Published April 2009. Accessed May 14, 2020.