Muscle function loss
Key points
- Complete loss of muscle function, or paralysis, can affect a small area (localized) or be widespread (generalized).
- Loss of muscle function (paralysis) is a major medical event.
- Home Care If cranial nerves are damaged, there may be difficulty with chewing and swallowing.
- What to expect at your health care provider's office The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.
Alternative names
Paralysis; Loss of movement
Definition
Complete loss of muscle function, or paralysis, can affect a small area (localized) or be widespread (generalized).
Considerations
Loss of muscle function (paralysis) is a major medical event.
In the U.S., the majority of paralysis results from stroke (cerebrovascular accident, CVA) or from trauma such as a spinal fracture (broken neck or back). The paralysis following strokes and spinal fractures can be severe and frequently is irreversible.
There are other causes of paralysis, including infectious diseases (such as polio), genetic diseases (such as peroneal dystrophy), autoimmune disease (such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS), and toxic conditions (such as botulism and paralytic shellfish poisoning).
Paralysis can be temporary or permanent; localized or widespread; one-sided (unilateral) or two-sided (bilateral); and can affect the lower extremities (paraplegic) or upper and lower extremities (quadriplegic). Paralysis can be an indication of a life-threatening problem such as Guillain-Barre syndrome.
IN EVERY SITUATION, MUSCLE PARALYSIS REQUIRES IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION.
Common Causes
- Cerebrovascular accident (stroke)
- Bell's palsy
- Spinal cord injury
- Spinal fracture (broken neck or broken back)
- Poliomyelitis (polio)
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Botulism
- Paralytic shellfish poisoning
- Guillain-Barre syndrome
Home Care
If cranial nerves are damaged, there may be difficulty with chewing and swallowing. In these cases, a soft diet is recommended.
Prolonged immobility can cause serious complications; therefore, frequent position changes and good skin care are very important. Passive range-of-motion exercises may help to maintain some muscle tone and are encouraged.
The use of splints may help prevent muscle contractures.
In all cases, follow prescribed therapy.
Call your health care provider if
- There is any paralysis.
What to expect at your health care provider's officeThe medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.
Written and revised by
David Cohen, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.