When you think of paralysis, you may think of trauma caused by a car crash or other serious accident. In reality, paralysis can be caused by many different diseases and medical conditions.
Paralysis is the condition of being unable to move any part of your body. Paralysis can affect one part of the body, multiple parts of the body or the entire body. It may be temporary or permanent. It can occur gradually or come about all of a sudden without any warning.
Besides a lack of mobility, paralysis can cause muscle spasms, tingling and pain. The affected part of your body may be stiff, floppy or numb. Paralysis can occur in any person, young or old.
What Causes Paralysis?
The many health conditions that can lead to paralysis include the following:
- Botulism. This is a potentially fatal disease caused by a toxin found in soil and water. It is often caused by food poisoning. Proper food preparation can destroy the toxin.
- Stroke. Even a mini-stroke can cause weakness on one side of the face or body. This type of weakness is often accompanied by slurred speech. It may come about suddenly and is often temporary.
- Lou Gehrig’s disease. Also known as ALS, this neurological disease can cause weakness and paralysis.
- Brachial plexus injuries. This refers to the network of nerves that extends from the shoulder to spine, arms and hands. Stretching and tearing can damage these nerves,, but many cases happen at birth during delivery.
- Cerebral palsy. This is caused by damage to the brain. Again, this is also often caused at birth, often due to low amounts of oxygen.
- Spina bifida. This condition occurs during pregnancy. Between 4-6 weeks of pregnancy, a birth defect can cause the fetus’ spinal column to not close. This causes a cleft in the spinal cord. Muscle weakness and paralysis are common symptoms.
- Muscular dystrophy. This disease often occurs at birth or in adolescence. This genetic disease causes muscles to deteriorate, causing weakness and paralysis.
- Brain injury. A tumor or injury to the brain can affect the body mentally and physically. A person may experience speech and mobility issues, as well as problems with memory and cognition.
- Lyme disease. This bacterial infection is caused by tick bites. It can lead to neurological symptoms, which may include weakness and paralysis.
- Guillain-Barré syndrome. This immune disorder causes the body to attack the nervous system. Weakness and tingling in the arms and legs often progress into complete paralysis.
- Multiple sclerosis. This chronic disease may be mild or severe in nature. In many cases, it causes decreased nerve function, which can lead to paralysis.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
Paralysis is a serious medical condition that is life altering. If a third party caused you to suffer paralysis, it’s important that you seek legal help.
As you will likely be paralyzed for the rest of your life, medical expenses associated with this condition can cost $1 million or more. The personal injury attorneys at DJC Law can help you recover compensation for your injuries. Contact us today at 512-888-9999 to schedule your free consultation.