Which Forms of Paralysis Are Most Common?

You may hear the word "paralysis" and think of an inability to move. This is true to some extent, but there are actually various degrees of paralysis, based on what's affected. A primary cause is some type of damage to the spine, which is the body's main nerve center. Issues within the brain can also interfere with the brain's ability to receive and/or send nerve impulses. Paralysis may also be related to muscle weakness (myopathy), neurological conditions (neuropathy), spinal cord injuries or diseases (acute myelopathy), or brain-related conditions such as strokes and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Here's a closer look at the most common types of paralysis.

Monoplegia

This type of paralysis is limited to one area of the body, such as one arm or leg. Monoplegia is sometimes temporary, such as what might happen following a stroke. Brain injuries, compressed nerves, and brain-related neurological conditions such as cerebral palsy can also cause this type of paralysis.

Hemiplegia

Cerebral palsy, which is the result of abnormal brain development, is the most common cause of this type of paralysis. Sometimes temporary, hemiplegia affects both limbs on one side of the body. For instance, if the left side is affected, the left arm and leg would both be paralyzed.

Paraplegia

If someone is paraplegic, he or she is paralyzed below the waist. A spinal cord injury is the most common cause of this type of paralysis, although spinal cord infections and brain tumors could contribute to waist-down paralysis. Bowel and bladder control may be affected as well.

Triplegia

As with hemiplegia, this type of paralysis is also often caused by cerebral palsy. Triplegia is so named because it usually affects one arm and both legs. It can also be caused by a stroke, which is essentially a sudden disruption of blood flow to the brain.

Quadriplegia

Also referred to as tetraplegia, quadriplegia is a type of paralysis that leaves the affected person paralyzed from the neck down. It usually affects all limbs and many bodily functions. Quadriplegia is often associated with a spinal cord injury, but it can also be the result of a brain injury, spine or brain lesions, or extreme nerve damage.

Diagnosis & Treatment

Along with a physical examination, a Los Angeles spine surgeon may conduct image tests to clearly determine what's contributing to a nerve signal disruption and assess the full extent of the damage. Treatment will depend on the specific type of paralysis involved and what the underlying source is. Generally, treatment for paralysis involves:

• Massage therapy and other forms of physical therapy
• Occupational therapy to improve the ability to function daily
• Therapeutic exercises
• Mobility aids and supportive devices

Paralysis isn't always preventable. Even so, you may be able to reduce your risk of being affected by any of the types of paralysis discussed here by eating healthy foods and getting regular exercise to reduce your stroke risk, being proactive about using protective gear when playing contact sports, wearing a seat belt any time you’re in a car, and seeking treatment immediately after sustaining any type of head injury, even when there are no initial symptoms.

If you need information about paralysis or any other aspect of spinal health, reach out to the pioneering physicians at The Spine Institute. We offer a variety of services, from nonsurgical 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.