What is paralysis?

Paralysis - loss or disturbance of motorfunction in one or more parts of the body. Paralysis, as a rule, is an incidental symptom of serious diseases. Let's figure out what is paralysis and how it can be treated.

Types of paralysis

Physicians distinguish between organic and functionalparalysis. This classification is based on causal differences of the ailment. Organic paralysis is caused by the defeat of the nervous system by a tumor, infection, trauma and other factors. Functional paralysis is a consequence of the presence of a stagnant area of inhibition in the brain.

Causes of paralysis

As we mentioned above, paralysis is usuallycomplication of a serious disease. Paralysis most often "keeps up" with strokes, nerve damage, poliomyelitis, botulism, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Paralysis can also be congenital and hereditary. Thus, infantile cerebral palsy occurs due to birth trauma.

Symptoms of Paralysis

When paralysis, two different groups are observedSymptoms - with lesion of the central motor neurons spastic paralysis is observed, which is accompanied by hypertension of the muscles and increased tendon reflexes; and in the "attack" on peripheral neurons - flaccid paralysis, manifested in a decrease in muscle tone, hypertrophy and muscle atrophy.

Treatment

Central paralysis, which affectsthe brain, is treated mainly with drugs that normalize the blood flow in the brain, as well as repair damaged cells. In addition, special massages and physical exercises are prescribed.

Peripheral paralysis is treated, mainly, physiotherapy methods - electrophoresis, galvanic effects of currents, hydrogen sulfide and radon baths.