Definition

Complete loss ofmuscle function, or paralysis, can affect a small area (localized) or be widespread (generalized).

Alternative Names

Paralysis; Loss of movement

Considerations

Loss of muscle function (paralysis) is a major medical event.

In the U.S., the majority of paralysis results from stroke (cerebrovascular accident, CVA) or from trauma such as a spinal fracture (broken neck or back). The paralysis following strokes and spinal fractures can be severe and frequently is irreversible.

There are other causes of paralysis, including infectious diseases (such as polio), genetic diseases (such as peroneal dystrophy), autoimmune disease (such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS), and toxic conditions (such as botulism and paralytic shellfish poisoning).

Paralysis can be temporary or permanent; localized or widespread; one-sided (unilateral) or two-sided (bilateral); and can affect the lower extremities (paraplegic) or upper and lower extremities (quadriplegic). Paralysis can be an indication of a life-threatening problem such as Guillain-Barre syndrome.

IN EVERY SITUATION, MUSCLE PARALYSIS REQUIRES IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION.

Causes

• Cerebrovascular accident (stroke)
• Bell's palsy
• Spinal cord injury
• Spinal fracture (broken neck or broken back)
• Poliomyelitis (polio)
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
• Botulism
• Paralytic shellfish poisoning
• Guillain-Barre syndrome

Review Date: 10/23/2003
Reviewed By: Elaine T. Kiriakopoulos, M.D., M.Sc., Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard University, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.