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Paralysis is the inability to move a part of the body. This condition can be temporary or permanent. Most types of paralysis are the result of nerve damage rather than an injury to the part of the body that is left paralyzed. This condition, which is almost always life changing, has serious physical and psychological effects on victims. In this article, we discuss paralysis types, causes, and treatment options.
Types of Paralysis
Paralysis can be broadly categorized as localized or generalized. The localized type of paralysis affects a single part of the body, while generalized paralysis affects more than one body part. In injury cases, localized paralysis is typically the result of localized nerve damage, and generalized paralysis is typically caused by more extensive injuries. Further, generalized paralysis can be broken down into the following four categories:
- Monoplegia, which affects one leg or arm
- Hemiplegia, which affects one leg and arm on the same side of the body
- Paraplegia, which affects both legs
- Quadriplegia, which affects both legs and arms
Each of the above types of paralysis can be injury induced, but cases of hemiplegia following an injury are rare. Rather, hemiplegia is typically the result of cerebral palsy or some other type of developmental disease. Monoplegia, however, can occur if nerves are severed or impinged due to an injury, and traumatic spinal cord injuries frequently cause both quadriplegia and paraplegia.
Causes of Paralysis
Paralysis can occur in many ways. As noted above, some causes of paralysis are medical in nature, while others are the result of injuries to either the spinal cord or brain. Common types of accidents that result in paralysis are:
- Car accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Slip and fall accidents
- Sports injuries
- Acts of violence
Treatment for Paralysis
There is not currently a cure for paralysis. However, depending on the cause and severity of paralysis, some victims are able to partially or completely recover from the condition. In addition, some types of temporary paralysis, such as those caused by a stroke or Bell’s palsy, may resolve in time without medical treatment. Also, when paralysis is the result of a chronic neurological condition or spinal cord injury, the victim may eventually recover partial muscle control. Although rehabilitation cannot cure paralysis, it can help prevent the symptoms of the condition from worsening. Common paralysis treatments include:
- Occupational therapy
- Physical therapy
- The use of mobility devices, such as walkers, wheelchairs, and braces
- Amputation
- Nerve transfer surgery
- Emotional and social support
Contact Our New York Paralysis Injury Lawyer
If you or a loved one has suffered a paralysis injury in New York, you should contact an experienced paralysis injury attorney. At Dell & Dean, PLLC, we have the experience necessary to assist you with your paralysis injury case. When you come to us for help, we will examine the facts of your situation, devise a case strategy, and aggressively seek financial compensation on your behalf. Please contact us to schedule a meeting with an experienced paralysis injury lawyer.
