4 Types of Paralysis

Since the spinal cord houses an abundance of nerves extending to various parts of the body and it's linked directly to the brain, it's easy to see how a serious injury can result in some type of paralysis—defined as the inability to move or feel sensation in certain areas of the body—if nerve signals are disrupted. Paralysis can be caused by auto accidents, sports-related impacts, severe falls, or sudden medical issues, such as strokes. Underlying conditions such as multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, and birth defects may also contribute to the four common types of paralysis discussed below.For more detailed information about paralysis, consult your doctor or a Los Angeles spine surgeon.

1. Monoplegia This type of paralysis is limited to a single part of the body, such as an arm or leg. Monoplegia is commonly caused by cerebral palsy, which is the collective name for a group of disorders that affect balance and posture. However, a single limb or part of the body may also become paralyzed due to: • Injury or disease-related damage • Impacted, severed, or compressed nerves • Brain injuries or strokes • Tumors—especially ones that develop in or around the spine • Motor neuron damage or brain injuries 2. Hemiplegia With hemiplegia, an arm and leg on the same side of the body are affected. This type of paralysis may start with pins-and-needles sensations that eventually become muscle weakness before paralysis sets in. For some people with hemiplegia, the extent of paralysis may vary from one day to the next. Patients often respond well to early treatment efforts and physical or occupational therapy, sometimes to the point where a full or nearly complete recovery is experienced. Individuals with existing neurological issues sometimes develop muscle weakness limited to one side of the body (hemiparesis) before having arm and leg paralysis. 3. Paraplegia People who are considered paraplegic have a loss of sensation or functioning below the waist. While there are varying degrees of paraplegia, legs and hips are often affected. Some paraplegics also have issues with sexual functioning and bowel and bladder control. Paraplegics are sometimes able to regain function or sensation with physical therapy. There have also been instances when improvements were seen over time as patients’ brains retrained themselves. Spontaneous recovery is possible but rare. Paraplegia is often related to a spinal cord injury, although it may also occur because of: • Spinal cord infections or lesions • Brain infections or tumors • Oxygen deprivation affecting the brain or spinal cord • Existing spinal cord or brain abnormalities 4. Quadriplegia Also called tetraplegia, quadriplegia is paralysis affecting areas below the neck. Some patients do gradually notice improvements with various forms of physical therapy. Spontaneous recovery is possible as well, especially if the source of paralysis is nerve compression or a similar type of injury that can eventually heal itself. Quadriplegia is like paraplegia in that spinal cord injuries are the leading cause of this type of paralysis. In addition to the factors already mentioned in relation to paraplegia, quadriplegia may be related to:

• Brain injuries related to disease, infection, or conditions such as strokes

• Brain injuries that occurred early in life

• Severe allergic reactions, usually to certain medications

• Extensive nerve damage throughout the body

• Alcohol/drug overdoses

Most spinal cord injuries are incomplete, which means some movement and sensation are retained. The ability to recover from any of the types of paralysis mentioned here depends on which area is affected, the extent of spinal cord and/or nerve damage, and the response to initial treatments and ongoing therapies.

If you need information about paralysis or any other aspect of spinal health, reach out to the pioneering physicians at The Spine Institute. The Spine Institute offers a variety of services, from non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy to fusion procedures and disc replacement surgery. If you have any concerns about your spinal health, contact the caring professionals at The Spine Institute at 310-828-7757 and schedule an appointment today.