View source for Paralysis

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{{redirect|Paralyze|the 2008 pop song|Paralyze (song)}}
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{{SignSymptom infobox |
  Name           = Paralysis |
  Image          = |[[File:[[Media:Example.jpg]]]]
  Caption        = |paralysis meaning;
  DiseasesDB     = |to be paralized
  ICD9           = |
  ICDO           = |
  OMIM           = |
  MedlinePlus    = |
  eMedicineSubj  = |
  eMedicineTopic = |
  MeshID         = D010243 |
}}

'''Paralysis''' is the complete loss of [[muscle]] function for one or more muscles. Paralysis can be accompanied by a loss of feeling (sensory loss) in the affected area if there is sensory damage as well as motor.

==Causes==
Paralysis is most often caused by damage in the [[nervous system]], especially the [[spinal cord]]. Other major causes are [[stroke]], [[Physical trauma|trauma]] with [[nerve injury]], [[poliomyelitis]], [[amyotrophic lateral sclerosis]] (ALS), [[botulism]], [[spina bifida]], [[multiple sclerosis]], and [[Guillain-Barré syndrome]]. Temporary paralysis occurs during [[REM sleep]], and dysregulation of this system can lead to episodes of [[sleep paralysis|waking paralysis]]. Drugs that interfere with [[action potential|nerve function]], such as [[curare]], can also cause paralysis. 
There are many known causes for paralysis, and perhaps more yet to be discovered.

''Pseudoparalysis'' (''pseudo-'' meaning false, not genuine) is voluntary restriction or inhibition of motion because of pain, incoordination, or other cause, and is not due to actual muscular paralysis.<ref>[http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/pseudoparalysis TheFreeDictionary > pseudoparalysis] , in turn citing The American Heritage Medical Dictionary 2007, 2004</ref> In an infant, it may be a symptom of [[congenital syphilis]].<ref>[http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5511a1.htm Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines, 2006] National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention</ref>

==Variations==
Paralysis could be localized, or generalized, or it may follow a certain pattern. Most paralyses caused by nervous system damage (i.e. [[spinal cord injuries]]) are constant in nature; however, there are forms of [[periodic paralysis]], including [[sleep paralysis]], which are caused by other factors.


==Paralysis in the animal world==
Many animal species use paralyzing toxins to capture prey, evade predation, or both. A well-known example is the [[tetrodotoxin]] of fish species such as ''[[Takifugu rubripes]]'', the famously lethal [[pufferfish]] of Japanese [[fugu]]. This toxin works by binding to [[sodium channels]] in nerve cells, preventing the cells' proper function. A non-lethal dose of this toxin results in temporary paralysis. This toxin is also present in many other species ranging from toads to [[nemertea]]ns.
Another interesting use of paralysis in the natural world is the behavior of some species of [[wasp]]. To complete the reproductive cycle, the female wasp paralyzes a prey item such as a grasshopper and places it in her nest. She then lays eggs in the paralyzed insect, which is devoured by the [[larva]]e when they hatch. Many snakes also exhibit powerful [[neurotoxins]] that can cause non-permanent paralysis or [[death]].

Paralysis can be seen in breeds of dogs that are chondrodysplastic. These dogs have short legs, and may also have short muzzles. Their intervertebral disc material can calcify and become more brittle. In such cases, the disc may rupture, with disc material ending up in the spinal canal, or rupturing more laterally to press on spinal nerves. A minor rupture may only result in [[paresis]], but a major rupture can cause enough damage to cut off your circulation. If no signs of pain can be elicited, surgery should be performed within 24 hours of the incident, to remove the disc material and relieve pressure on the [[spinal cord]]. After 24 hours, the chance of recovery declines rapidly, since with continued pressure, the spinal cord tissue deteriorates and dies.

Another type of paralysis is caused by a fibrocartilaginous embolism. This is a microscopic piece of disc material that breaks off and becomes lodged in a spinal artery. Nerves served by the artery will die when deprived of blood.

The [[German Shepherd]] is especially prone to developing degenerative [[myelopathy]]. This is a deterioration of nerves in the spinal cord, starting in the posterior part of the cord. Dogs so affected will become gradually weaker in the hind legs as nerves die off. Eventually their hind legs become useless. They often also exhibit fecal and urinary incontinence. As the disease progresses, the paresis and paralysis gradually move forward. This disease also affects other large breeds of dogs. It is suspected to be an autoimmune problem.

Cats with a [[heart murmur]] may develop blood clots that travel through arteries. If a clot is large enough to block one or both femoral arteries, there may be hind leg paralysis because the major source of blood flow to the hind leg is blocked.

==See also==
* [[Spinal cord injuries]]
* [[Paraplegia]]
* [[Quadriplegia]]
* [[Muscle relaxant]]
* [[Ptosis]]
* [[Sleep paralysis]]
* [[Hemiparesis]]
* [[Beriberi]]
* [[Neuroprosthetics]]
* [[Brain-computer interface]]
* [[Tonic immobility]]
* [[Cerebral palsy]]
* [[Cobra Toxin]]
* [[Obdormition]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Cerebral palsy and other paralytic syndromes}}

[[Category:Neurology]]
[[Category:Cerebral palsy and other paralytic syndromes]]
[[Category:Symptoms]]

[[ar:شلل]]
[[ay:Such'u]]
[[az:İflic]]
[[bn:পক্ষাঘাত]]
[[bg:Парализа]]
[[ca:Paràlisi]]
[[cs:Ochrnutí]]
[[da:Paralyse]]
[[de:Lähmung]]
[[et:Halvatus]]
[[es:Parálisis]]
[[eo:Paralizo]]
[[fa:فلج کامل اندام]]
[[fr:Paralysie]]
[[hr:Paraliza]]
[[id:Kelumpuhan]]
[[it:Paralisi]]
[[he:שיתוק]]
[[nl:Verlamming]]
[[ja:麻痺]]
[[no:Lammelse]]
[[pl:Porażenie]]
[[pt:Paralisia]]
[[ru:Паралич]]
[[simple:Paralysis]]
[[sl:Ohromelost]]
[[fi:Halvaus]]
[[sv:Förlamning]]
[[tl:Pagkalumpo]]
[[te:పక్షవాతం]]
[[th:อัมพาต]]
[[tr:Felç]]
[[uk:Параліч]]
[[Category:2Fix]]