Paralysis
Paralysis is the complete loss of muscle function for one or more muscle groups, when the thing that is paralysed cannot move.
Paralysis is most often caused by damage to the nervous system or brain, especially the spinal cord. Major causes are stroke, trauma, poliomyelitis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), botulism, spina bifida, multiple sclerosis, and Guillain-Barré syndrome. Partial paralysis can also occur in the REM stage of sleep (see:Sleep paralysis). Paralysis often includes loss of feeling in the affected area.
Types of paralysis
Hemiplegia
In hemiplegia, one side of your body is paralysed.
Monoplegia
During monoplegia, only one limb is unable to move.
Paraplegia
In paraplegia, both legs are unable to move.
Quadriplegia
The most extreme form of paralysis. The whole body from the neck down can't move.
Locked-in syndrome
Paralysis of the whole body.