How to Treat Paralysis

Paralysis is the inability to move one or more muscles voluntarily and usually involves loss of feeling as well. It is usually caused by stroke or trauma which injures the muscle itself or its nerve supply. Several diseases and poisons can cause paralysis as well. The following steps will show how to treat paralysis.

Instructions

• 1

  Use the ABCs (airway, breathing and circulation) of emergency care for severe cases of paralysis. This is frequently caused by a stroke or traumatic injury and requires management of the airway, assistance with breathing and continuing the circulation of blood.

• 2

  Stabilize and immobilize the spine to prevent further damage to the spinal cord in cases involving injury. A hard cervical collar and backboard is normally used to transport the patient to a hospital.

• 3

  Exercise caution in treating spinal cord injuries with corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and swelling. The standard of care for nonpenetrating acute spinal cord injury in the United States has been large doses of methylprednisolone shortly after the injury. However, recent studies suggest the adverse side effects may outweigh any benefits.

• 4

  Perform surgery primarily in cases of paralysis caused by the impingement or acute deterioration of nerves. Surgical decompression is usually reserved for specific injuries such as cauda equina syndrome, dislocated or locked facets.

• 5

  Begin a comprehensive program of occupational and physical therapy. This includes range-of-motion exercises to prevent muscle contracture and may require surgery to cut the shortened tendon and release the contracture.