Paralysis After Injury

A person with paralysis cannot move the part of the body that is affected. Paralysis occurs when nerves are damaged. It can be temporary or lifelong and may result from:

• direct injury to the nerves or spinal cord,
• a brain injury such as bleeding into the brain, a blocked artery in the brain, or trauma to the brain, or
• nerve damage caused by conditions such as diabetes or HIV

Paraplegia occurs when damage to the spinal cord in the middle or lower back regions causes paralysis in the legs and lower part of the body. QUADRIPLEGIA occurs when damage to the nerves in the neck causes paralysis in the arms and legs, as well as the bladder, bowels, and even breathing muscles. Someone who is partially affected may recover some or all mobility. Permanent paraplegia and quadriplegia require long-term skin, bladder, and bowel care.

Immediate treatment of a spinal injury involves:

• keeping still because movement could cause further injury to the spinal cord
• easing pressure on the cord by keeping the patient lying down
• use of drugs to reduce swelling and
• traction to prevent movement and reduce pressure

Physical and occupational therapies are important to recovery. Counseling and support groups are helpful in coping with the losses and lifestyle change. Many people are able to adapt to their spinal injury and lead full and productive lives as parents, spouses, and employees.

Many common head and neck injuries can be prevented with the use of safety measures such as:

• using seat belts and air bags in cars
• wearing helmets when riding bicycles and motorcycles and
• checking water depth before diving into water

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIL File BRAI4255.rf2 VRS# 4255 Data Version 7.0 Copyright 1999 McKesson Health Solutions LLC. All rights reserved.