Paralysis describes the loss of muscle function, which leads to loss of feeling in the affected area. Paralysis can be complete, partial and affect either one or both sides of the body. Paralysis can be extremely difficult to come to terms with; your every day life can be completely turned around.

The cause of paralysis is nerve damage. This nerve damage can either be in the brain or spinal cord (the central nervous system) or in the nerves outside of the spinal cord (peripheral nervous system).

There are 24 vertebrae/small bones in the spinal cord. These are grouped into three sections:

Neck (cervical spine)

Middle Back (thoracic)

Lower Back (Lumbar spine)

There is also a lot of tissue that surrounds the bones, muscles and skin, all of which support the spine.

The two most common forms of paralysis are Paraplegia; paralysis of the lower half of the body, including legs and Quadriplegia; paralysis of the arms and legs. The way in which these are diagnosed is by looking at the events in the patient’s history, such as incidents like falls or trauma, exposure to toxins, infections and surgery. Neurological examinations can then test strength, reflexes and sensation in the affected area as well as looking at reflexes and strength in normal areas.

There are three types of injury that can cause paralysis:

Contusion - this is a direct blow to spinal cord. It causes swelling and excess pressure that damages the spinal column and nerves.

Compression - this is when the spinal cord compresses in a violent manner, for example in a car crash, this causes swelling and excess pressure

Direct Injury - when bone/metal cuts the spinal cord causing damage to the nerves.

The only treatment that is possible for paralysis is to try and treat underlying causes. This can be done through:

Physical Therapy - this focuses on mobility. It helps to develop strategies to compensate for paralysis by using muscles that still have normal function. This helps maintain and build strength.

Occupational Therapy - focuses on daily activities such as eating/bathing. Develops tools/techniques that permit self care. An occupational therapist suggests ways to modify your home/workplace so you can lead a normal life.

Other requirements may be; respiratory therapist, vocational rehabilitation counsellor, social worker, speech language pathologist, nutritionist, special education teacher, recreation therapist or clinical psychologist.

Accidents such as sports (especially horse riding), road traffic, severe trauma to the back, broken neck, Violent attacks and work related accidents, such as construction can all leave you susceptible to paralysis. If you are unfortunate enough to be left with paralysis after an accident you could be entitled to compensation.

You can claim for compensation through a no win no fee claim. By doing this you keep all of the money you are awarded in a successful claim with your fees being repaid by the other side. If your claim for any reason is unsuccessful then you will have no fees to pay at all.

It is advised that you get in touch with a compensation claims team where you will be talked through the claims process.

Helen Cox is the web master for Accident Consult specialists in paralysis claims as well as no win no fee claims

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