Muscle function loss
Alternative names:
loss of movement; paralysis
Definition:
The complete loss of muscle function; this can be in a small area (localized) or widespread (generalized).
Considerations:
Loss of muscle function (paralysis) is a major medical event.
In the United States, the majority of paralysis results from stroke (cerebrovascular accident, CVA) or from trauma such as a spinal fracture (broken neck or broken back). The paralysis following strokes and spinal fractures can be severe and frequently is irreversible.
There are other causes of paralysis including infectious diseases (such as polio), genetic diseases (such as peroneal dystrophy), autoimmune disease (such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, ALS), and toxic conditions (such as botulism and paralytic shellfish poisoning).
Paralysis can be temporary or permanent; localized or widespread; one-sided (unilateral) or two-sided (bilateral); and can affect the lower extremities (paraplegic) or upper and lower extremities (quadriplegic). Paralysis can be an indication of a life-threatening problem such as Guillain-Barre syndrome.
IN EVERY SITUATION, MUSCLE PARALYSIS REQUIRES IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION.
Common causes:
Note: There may be other causes of paralysis. This list is not all inclusive, and the causes are not presented in order of likelihood. The causes of this symptom can include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the causes may vary based on age and gender of the affected person, as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom such as location, quality, time course, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaints. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for paralysis, occurring alone or in combination with other problems.
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