Paralysis
The
right and left hemispheres of the brain are joined by a bundle of fibers called the corpus callosum that delivers messages from one side to the other. Each hemisphere controls the opposite side of the body. If a brain tumor is located on the right side of the brain, your left arm or leg may be weak or paralyzed.
Not all functions of the hemispheres are shared. In general, the left hemisphere controls speech, comprehension, arithmetic, and writing. The right hemisphere controls creativity, spatial ability, artistic, and musical skills. The left hemisphere is dominant in hand use and language in about 92% of people.
Paralysis can occur in newborns due to a congenital defect known as spina bifida. Spina bifida causes one or more of the vertebrae to fail to form vertebral arches within the infant, which allows the spinal cord to protrude from the rest of the spine. In extreme cases, this can cause spinal cord function inferior to the missing vertebral arches to cease. This cessation of spinal cord function can result in paralysis of lower extremities. Documented cases of paralysis of the anal sphincter in newborns have been observed when spina bifida has gone untreated. While life-threatening, many cases of spina bifida can be corrected surgically if operated on within 72 hours of birthWhen to see your GP
See your GP if you have paralysis or weakness that:
started graduallyis getting slowly worsecomes and goes
Your GP can do some tests to see what the cause might be.
They may refer you to a hospital specialist for more tests if they're unsure what's causing your symptoms.
When to get emergency help
Call 999 for an ambulance if you or someone else has paralysis or weakness that:
starts suddenlystarts after a serious injury, such as a fall or car crashcauses problems with speech, breathing or swallowing
These problems could be a sign of something serious that needs to be treated in hospital straight away
What is the outlook for people with paralysis?
Many people with paralysis never regain mobility or sensation in the affected areas of their bodies. But even if your paralysis isn’t curable, your healthcare team can recommend assistive technologies, therapeutic interventions, or other strategies to help improve your quality of life.
For example, special braces and electronic mobility devices may allow you to move independently. Occupational therapists and other professionals can help modify the following to suit your abilities and needs:
your clothes
your home
your car
your workplace
Your doctor may also recommend lifestyle changes, medications, surgery, or other treatments to help manage potential complications.
Ask your doctor for more information about your specific diagnosis, treatment plan, and long-term outlook.Treatment and support
Paralysis can have a big impact on your life, but support is available to help you live as independently as you can and have the best possible quality of life.
The help you need will largely depend on what's causing your paralysis.
Some of the things that can help people who are paralysed include:
mobility equipment – such as wheelchairs and limb supports (braces)physiotherapy to help you maintain as much strength and muscle mass as you canoccupational therapy to help adapt your home so everyday tasks like dressing and cooking are easiermedicines to relieve problems such as pain, stiffness and muscle spasms.
Not all functions of the hemispheres are shared. In general, the left hemisphere controls speech, comprehension, arithmetic, and writing. The right hemisphere controls creativity, spatial ability, artistic, and musical skills. The left hemisphere is dominant in hand use and language in about 92% of people.
Paralysis can occur in newborns due to a congenital defect known as spina bifida. Spina bifida causes one or more of the vertebrae to fail to form vertebral arches within the infant, which allows the spinal cord to protrude from the rest of the spine. In extreme cases, this can cause spinal cord function inferior to the missing vertebral arches to cease. This cessation of spinal cord function can result in paralysis of lower extremities. Documented cases of paralysis of the anal sphincter in newborns have been observed when spina bifida has gone untreated. While life-threatening, many cases of spina bifida can be corrected surgically if operated on within 72 hours of birthWhen to see your GP
See your GP if you have paralysis or weakness that:
started graduallyis getting slowly worsecomes and goes
Your GP can do some tests to see what the cause might be.
They may refer you to a hospital specialist for more tests if they're unsure what's causing your symptoms.
When to get emergency help
Call 999 for an ambulance if you or someone else has paralysis or weakness that:
starts suddenlystarts after a serious injury, such as a fall or car crashcauses problems with speech, breathing or swallowing
These problems could be a sign of something serious that needs to be treated in hospital straight away
What is the outlook for people with paralysis?
Many people with paralysis never regain mobility or sensation in the affected areas of their bodies. But even if your paralysis isn’t curable, your healthcare team can recommend assistive technologies, therapeutic interventions, or other strategies to help improve your quality of life.
For example, special braces and electronic mobility devices may allow you to move independently. Occupational therapists and other professionals can help modify the following to suit your abilities and needs:
your clothes
your home
your car
your workplace
Your doctor may also recommend lifestyle changes, medications, surgery, or other treatments to help manage potential complications.
Ask your doctor for more information about your specific diagnosis, treatment plan, and long-term outlook.Treatment and support
Paralysis can have a big impact on your life, but support is available to help you live as independently as you can and have the best possible quality of life.
The help you need will largely depend on what's causing your paralysis.
Some of the things that can help people who are paralysed include:
mobility equipment – such as wheelchairs and limb supports (braces)physiotherapy to help you maintain as much strength and muscle mass as you canoccupational therapy to help adapt your home so everyday tasks like dressing and cooking are easiermedicines to relieve problems such as pain, stiffness and muscle spasms.
Comments
Post a Comment