What happens if you get paralyzed

Available for both adults and kids. Reeve Foundation. Newly paralyzed Following a spinal cord injury, navigating your way through information and advice can be overwhelming. Frequently asked questions. Understand the terms commonly used to describe a spinal cord injury. Medical procedures that are used to control the damage to the spinal cord.

Navigating your way through paralysis can be confusing and overwhelming. If you're uninsured or underinsured there are still avenues to get health coverage. An overview of Social Security programs for individuals living with disabilities. Find out how to locate appropriate rehab resources near you. Although rehabilitation does not cure paralysis completely, it can help prevent symptoms from worsening.

Many people with paralysis do not regain full mobility or sensation in the affected area. However, physical therapy, mobility devices, and social and emotional support can help improve the quality of life. Medication and surgery can often help, as well. For the first time, scientists have managed to translate into text the brain activity of a person with paralysis who is unable to speak.

Facial paralysis occurs when something interrupts the signals between the brain and the facial muscles. Learn more about five causes and their…. In this article, learn about the definition of paraplegia, as well as the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment options associated with it. What is tetraplegia? Is it the same as quadriplegia? Read on to find out. This article also covers the causes, complications, and treatment of…. Paraplegia and quadriplegia are forms of paralysis that can result from health issues or physical trauma.

Here, learn about the differences…. Paralysis: What is it? Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph. What is it? Types Symptoms Causes Treatment Summary Paralysis refers to temporary or permanent loss of voluntary muscle movement in a body part or region.

What is paralysis? Share on Pinterest Stroke, spinal cord injury, and cerebral palsy can cause paralysis. The cervical region of the spinal column has the greatest range of motion and least stability, which makes it the easiest to injure. Paralysis of the upper and lower body is called quadriplegia.

While major lifestyle adjustments will be required, many individuals learn to effectively address the outcomes of quadriplegia and improve their quality of life. One way to measure the severity of a spinal cord injury is to determine whether it is complete or incomplete, which your medical team will evaluate for you.

A complete spinal cord injury results in no motor control or feeling below the level of injury due to a fully transected spinal cord. This means no neural pathways between the brain and areas below the level of injury exist.

In contrast, an incomplete spinal cord injury may result in some sensation or movement below the level of injury because of spared neural pathways. Functional abilities after an incomplete spinal cord injury can range significantly; however, as long as the injury is incomplete, spared neural pathways exist, and regaining some movement below the level of injury should be possible. Spinal shock describes the temporary loss of reflexes, motor control, and sensation below the level of injury following a spinal cord injury.

It is caused by swelling of the spinal cord, which can significantly reduce blood flow. Our bodies need blood to fuel cellular activity. Without it, the body can start to dysfunction. As a result, many individuals mistake their incomplete spinal cord injuries for complete ones. Depending on the severity of the injury, spinal shock can last anywhere from a few days to several months. Generally, the more severe a spinal cord injury is, the greater the risk of secondary complications.

Individuals with severe paralysis throughout their bodies generally need the full-time assistance of a caregiver to perform activities of daily living like bathing, toileting, eating, dressing, and grooming. While some may be able to use a power wheelchair to get around, others may need the assistance of another person. You will likely also need your caregiver to assist you with moving from one surface to another i. Your caregiver would need to operate this device.

Pressure sores occur when individuals sit or lie in the same position for too long. Prolonged pressure can cause tissue inflammation and skin breakdown. Generally, pressure sores develop in bony areas of the body like the elbows, hips, tailbone, sit bones, shoulder blades, knees, ankles, and heels. For individuals with complete paralysis or severe weakness, they will need a caregiver to assist them with relieving this pressure multiple times a day.

For those who are able to operate a power wheelchair, the tilt-back function can be used for pressure reliefs when sitting up in the chair. They even make special pressure-relieving wheelchair cushions, so be sure to talk to your therapists about this option. Even if you have one of these, position changes to relieve pressure are still necessary.