Paralysis is a dreadful situation which can last for several years and sometimes there is no cure. There are different types of paralysis that affects humans. It is caused because of disrupting nerve signals and the muscles that are attached to it. Paralysis condition can be also caused because of reasons such as strokes, spinal cord injuries and nerve disorders. Most common type of paralysis is facial paralysis which happens because of Bell’s palsy. Paraplegia is another type of paralysis condition that involves both legs to be non-functional. The most severe paralysis is called quadriplegia which affects all your limbs and is a permanent health condition. Today we will know about treatment methods for the condition of paralysis.
What is Severity of Paralysis?
People can have temporary paralysis or permanent paralysis. In temporary condition, the partial or full movement of the muscles can be restored to normal in a particular time interval. But in the condition of permanent paralysis, it is hard to regain control over nerves. People getting permanent paralysis suffer from it throughout the rest of their lives and it is an irreversible condition.
It can also be broken down into two type depending on the location of injury that has occurred in the nervous system-
- Flaccid- In this condition muscles in the area of paralysis shrink and get loose.
- Spastic- The muscles get tighten and therefore it results to uncontrollable jerks in the area. It can also cause spasms from time to time.
Paralysis Treatment
Unfortunately, there is no cure or medicine that can cure permanent paralysis condition. We spoke to Dr. Umesh Verma, Orthopaedic Surgoen and Consultant from Vozart Healthcare Hospital, Banglore to know about treatment options in paralysis condition. He said that treatment of paralysis can be only done through using support equipments and therapies that can bring back nervous response. Temporary paralysis such as facial paralysis can go away without much treatment as well.
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There are 3 therapies that are used in order to retain control over the nerves of the body, it needs to be accompanied with exercise in order to restore strength. You can take the help of the following therapies-
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
In case of limbs being affected, there is also need of adaptive assistance and support to improve functions in the body. This rehabilitation programme needs to be done after doctor’s advice only. You can also take help of some massage therapies if it provides benefits to your body; however it is not a designed treatment for paralysis.
Adaptive equipment- they are equipments or machines that helps people with paralysis to allow them movement. There adaptive equipments are usually costly and require attention in order to get the hang of it. These are used more often in case where both the limbs are not functioning, or there could be a permanent paralysis.
Assistive Equipments- These are basic things that are used by people that need some extra support to do their daily functions. Assistive equipments include wheelchairs, scooters, crutches and canes. It helps people in paralysis to get support on the limb or area where paralysis has occurred.
Orthotic devices- In case of facial paralysis caused by Bell’s palsy, orthotic devices are needed. It could also be prosthetic devices in some cases where facial functions are affected. It includes having braces and other orthotic equipments to help the person.
Voice-activated technology- People who have paralysis may not be able to reach switches and their electronic devices because of movement restrictions. Hence voice activation technology can allow them to operate lighting, computers, phones and other system by voice command system.
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Prevention Tips for Paralysis
Most of the people get paralysis because of some kind of spinal cord injury. You need to make sure that you take precaution to prevent any type of impact that could lead to certain type of paralysis condition. Here are some prevention tips suggested by Orthopaedic doctor.
- Always wear your seatbelt in a car while driving or sitting at back. Make sure your children are using belts to so that they do not get any jerk on their spine
- While going to swim or dive, check the depth of water in order to prevent injury
- Use necessary gears and precautions while indulging in a sports activity or adventure sport
- Do not move anyone to a different position that has head, neck or spine injury.
- Take necessary steps to avoid situations that might cause spinal injury or disorders
- Get diagnosed if you or anyone is having pain in the spinal cord for more than 2 days.
- Try to secure a good resting position and be in good posture to avoid any spinal problem
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