Paralysis is a state that many people may have heard of but do not yet understand deeply — how it arises, how it affects life, and whether it can be prevented or treated. In reality, paralysis usually arises together with cerebrovascular disease (Stroke), which is the number one cause of paralysis arising in Thailand. The narrowing or rupture of a blood vessel in the brain makes the brain cells lack the blood that nourishes them and die, which has a direct effect on the working of the nervous system that controls the movement of the body. Today we will take you to understand paralysis completely, from the causes and the symptoms through to the modern approaches to treatment and rehabilitation.
Understanding the state of "paralysis" (Paralysis)
Paralysis, or what is called in medicine Paralysis, is a state in which the body loses the ability to move the muscles in part or in whole. It arises from the nervous system that controls the movement of the muscles being damaged, so that it cannot send the signal to the muscles normally.
Paralysis can be divided into several types depending on the position and the level of severity of the damage. Paralysis may be either temporary or permanent, and may affect one part or another of the body or the whole body. Understanding the character of paralysis will help us be aware of the importance of prevention and of suitable treatment.
The types of paralysis according to the area affected
Paralysis can be classified according to the area affected, for example hemiplegia, which arises from damage to one part of the brain, so that one side of the body cannot move; paraplegia of both legs, which usually arises from injury of the lower part of the spinal cord; and quadriplegia of all four limbs, which arises from injury of the upper part of the spinal cord.
The main causes that give rise to paralysis, which you may never have known
The arising of paralysis has a wide variety of causes, but the cause met most often and the most important is cerebrovascular disease, or what is generally called "ruptured blood vessel in the brain" or "narrowed blood vessel in the brain". Besides this there are also other causes that should be known, for effective prevention.
Cerebrovascular disease is the number one cause of paralysis arising. It arises from blood being unable to flow to nourish the brain sufficiently, so that the brain cells lack oxygen and die, with the result that the working of the nervous system that controls the movement of the body is damaged.
Injury of the spinal cord
Injury of the spinal cord is another important cause that gives rise to paralysis. It usually arises from car accidents, playing contact sports, falling from a height, or physical assault. The severity of the paralysis will depend on the position and the level of the damage to the spinal cord. If the upper part of the spinal cord is damaged, it may result in paralysis of the arms and legs on all four sides.
Other causes that should not be overlooked
Besides the main causes, there are also other factors that may give rise to paralysis, such as a tumour in the brain or the spinal cord, infection in the nervous system, genetic diseases, and side effects from certain medicines. Knowing these causes will help us be able to prevent and take care suitably.
The warning signals and the symptoms of paralysis that must be noticed
Knowing the warning signals of paralysis is a very important thing, because receiving treatment quickly will help reduce the severity and increase the chance of recovery. The symptoms of paralysis may appear suddenly or gradually, depending on the cause and the severity of the state.
The most important warning symptom is the sudden loss of the ability to move the arm, the leg, or the face. Besides this there may also be other accompanying symptoms, such as unclear speech, a crooked face, a feeling of numbness in various parts of the body, and loss of balance or of the coordination of the body.
Acute symptoms vs gradual symptoms
The symptoms of paralysis can be divided into two main characters, namely acute symptoms that arise suddenly, usually met in the case of cerebrovascular disease or injury of the spinal cord; and gradual symptoms that develop step by step over a period of several days or several weeks, usually met in the case of a tumour or an infection. Noticing the character of the symptoms will help the doctor be able to diagnose and plan the treatment suitably.
The approach to treating paralysis
Treating paralysis from cerebrovascular disease requires the working together of a medical team of several fields, divided into two main phases, namely the acute phase, which emphasises opening the blood vessel with clot-dissolving medicine or surgery; and the rehabilitation phase, which emphasises physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and treatment with modern technology. The main goal is to restore the working of the brain and the body as much as possible, so that the patient is able to return to living life with quality.
Rehabilitation medicine
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is the most important part in treating patients with paralysis from cerebrovascular disease, being directed at restoring the strength of the muscles on the paralysed side, improving the flexibility of the joints, and training balance. The physiotherapist will design a programme of exercise suited to each patient, which may include the use of walking aids and techniques for stimulating the brain to work anew.
Occupational therapy
Specialist occupational therapy helps patients with cerebrovascular disease be able to adapt and learn to use the body that remains to them to the greatest benefit, including dressing, eating, using the bathroom, and returning to work. The occupational therapist will assess the ability that remains to the patient and give advice about the use of the various assistive devices, as well as about adjusting the environment so that it is suitable.
Speech therapy
Speech therapy has an important role in rehabilitating patients with paralysis from cerebrovascular disease who have a problem of speech, of understanding language, or of swallowing. The speech therapist will assess and train the skills of communication, the use of language, and swallowing food safely, as well as the use of alternative media in communication when necessary, in order to help the patient be able to communicate with the family and with society effectively.
Modern technology in treatment
At present there is modern technology that helps in treating patients with paralysis from cerebrovascular disease, such as stimulating the brain with electromagnetism (TMS), the use of a robot to help in rehabilitation (Overground Wearable Exoskeleton) for training skills, and treatment with stem cells. At a modern clinic such as PYONG Rehabilitation Clinic, we use specialist instruments such as Peripheral Magnetic Stimulation (PMS) and High Power Laser, which help stimulate the working of the nerves and the muscles.
Frequently asked questions about paralysis (FAQ)
Patients and relatives usually have a great many questions about paralysis, from the chance of recovery and the length of time used in treatment through to prevention. Receiving correct information will help everyone understand and prepare to deal with the situation better.
Can paralysis be treated so that it goes away completely?
The chance of recovery from paralysis depends on many factors, such as the cause of the paralysis, the severity, the age of the patient, and receiving suitable treatment. In some cases, particularly paralysis arising from minor injury or from an infection that can be treated, the patient may recover completely. But in a case where the damage is severe, the recovery may be only partial. Even so, suitable treatment and rehabilitation can greatly help improve the quality of life of the patient.
How long does rehabilitation take?
The length of time in rehabilitating from paralysis differs in each individual, and may take from a few months through to several years. Most of the recovery will arise in the first 6-12 months after the paralysis arises, but the improvement may continue for longer than that. What is important is training in rehabilitation regularly and having encouragement from the family.
How can the arising of paralysis be prevented?
Preventing paralysis begins with caring for health overall, particularly controlling the risk factors of cerebrovascular disease, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high blood lipids; exercising regularly; eating food that is nourishing; giving up smoking; and avoiding drinking alcohol beyond what is proper. Besides this, driving safely and avoiding activities that risk injury are also important things.
In summary
Paralysis is a complex state that greatly affects the lives of the patient and the family. But with medical progress, suitable treatment and rehabilitation, and support from the family and from society, patients with paralysis can have a good quality of life. Understanding paralysis, its prevention, and its treatment will help us be prepared and deal with this state effectively.
If you or someone close to you has a problem concerning movement, or wants advice about restoring the body, PYONG Rehabilitation Clinic is ready to serve with a team of physicians expert in rehabilitation medicine and modern technology, to help you return to a better quality of life.