Paralysis and physiotherapy

Paralysis is the loss of muscle use in a particular part of the body. As a result, the patient will not be able to move that body part properly. People suffering paralysis also lose all feeling in the affected areas of the body. They may not notice a pin, or a hot object pressed against the paralyzed limb. This shows something has gone wrong with the way signals are passed between the brain and the muscles.

Blocked blood vessels or injury to the brain can cause a stroke. This can lead to difficulty with speech, understanding, swallowing and movement.

The right side of the brain affects the left side of the body and vice versa. Where the stroke takes place will determine where paralysis may occur.Paralysis is most often caused by damage to the nervous system, especially the spinal cord. Major causes are stroke and trauma with nerve injury. Other causes include poliomyelitis, botulism, spina bifida, multiple sclerosis, and Guillain-Barré syndrome.

The type of paralysis depends upon where the spinal cord was injured. Quadriplegia is paralysis that affects both arms and legs, as well as the chest and stomach. Paraplegia affects the legs, abdomen, and can also affect the chest area as well. Cauda Equina Syndrome affects the nerves in different parts of the body.

Is there a cure for paralysis

There is no cure for paralysis at the moment. However, treatment aims to make patients as independent as possible. Paralysis treatment also addresses health problems and any complications. Very often, treating the underlying cause of the problem restores mobility in the affected body part. Medication, therapy, surgery and exercise are all means of treating paralysis.

Physiotherapy should be started as soon as possible. It will help to improve blood circulation and relax muscles. It can also slow down the progress of paralysis. Treatment can improve muscle tone and the general well-being of the patient.When a brain has suffered an external injury, physiotherapy may reduce swelling and speed recovery.

Therapy focuses on helping the patient remain as mobile as possible. The physiotherapist may work on unaffected muscles, so they can compensate for those suffering paralysis. Physiotherapy also helps maintain and build strength in the affected muscles.

This will help prevent the limbs from becoming deformed. As limbs are recovering, physiotherapy can be used to help retrain the nerves and muscles. A physical therapist also suggests adaptive equipment such as braces, canes, or wheelchairs.

A diet for paralysis patients

Diet can play a very important role in the treatment of paralysis. Foods containing B complex vitamins like niacin and vitamin B12 help improve the way the nervous system works. Essential fatty acids are also an important part of the diet. These reduce inflammation in the body and improve the health of the nervous system.

Foods that are high in these nutrients include:

Bananas
Beans
Flax seed
Lentils
Nutritional yeast
Potatoes
Pumpkin seed oil
Walnut
Paralytic patients often suffer from complications like urinary or bowel incontinence. Therefore, it is best to check with a doctor before designing a diet for the patient.