Paralysis Symptoms: Why it happens and what your body’s trying to tell you
At its core, paralysis is usually caused by damage to the nervous system. That could be the brain, spinal cord, or nerves themselves. Some of the main culprits include:
Stroke – One of the most common causes, especially in older adults. A stroke disrupts blood flow to the brain, which can kill off nerve cells and result in partial or full paralysis.Spinal cord injury – Accidents, falls, sports injuries, or violence (like a gunshot wound) can damage the spinal cord and cause anything from paraplegia to quadriplegia.Head injury – Any trauma to the brain can interfere with movement signals.Multiple Sclerosis (MS) – A chronic condition where the body’s immune system attacks nerve coverings, leading to weakness and, over time, paralysis.Cerebral Palsy – A condition that starts at or shortly after birth and affects muscle control and movement.Bell’s Palsy – A temporary facial paralysis caused by inflammation or infection affecting facial nerves.Guillain-Barré Syndrome – A rare autoimmune disorder where your immune system attacks your nerves, often causing temporary paralysis.Tumors – Whether in the brain or spine, tumors can press on nerves and cause gradual paralysis.Infections – Like meningitis, polio, or even some rare tick-borne illnesses.
Even conditions like diabetes, if poorly managed, can damage nerves (a condition called diabetic neuropathy) and lead to loss of movement or sensation in the limbs.
