In the United States, loss of muscle function most often results from stroke or injury such as broken neck or back. The loss of muscle function following such events can be severe and frequently is irreversible.

Paralysis can be temporary or permanent. It can affect a small area (localized) or be widespread (generalized). It may affect one side (unilateral) or both sides (bilateral).

If the paralysis affects the lower half of the body and both legs it is called paraplegia. It if affects all arms and legs, it is called quadriplegia.

Causes of paralysis include:

• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
• Bell's palsy
• Botulism
• Guillain-Barre syndrome
• Paralytic shellfish poisoning
• Peroneal dystrophy
• Polio
• Spinal cord injury
• Stroke

Loss of muscle function is a medical emergency. Seek immediate medical help.

After you have receive medical treatment, your doctor may recommend some of the following measures:

Follow prescribed therapy.

If head nerves are damaged, you may have difficulty with chewing and swallowing. In these cases, a soft diet may be recommended.

Long-term immobility can cause serious complications. Frequently change positions and take care of your skin. Passive range-of-motion exercises are encouraged, as they may help to maintain some muscle tone.

The use of splints may help prevent muscle contractures .

In every situation, muscle paralysis requires immediate medical attention.

The doctor will perform a physical examination and asked questions about your medical history and symptoms, including:

• Location
  • What part(s) of the body are affected?
  • Does it affect one or both sides of the body?
  • Did it develop in a top-to-bottom pattern (descending paralysis)?
  • Do you have difficulty getting out of a chair or climbing stairs?
  • Do you have difficulty lifting your arm above your head?
  • Do you have problems extending or lifting your wrist (wrist drop)?
  • Do you have difficulty gripping (grasping)?
• Symptoms
  • Do you have pain?
  • Do you have numbness , tingling , or loss of sensation ?
  • What other symptoms do you have?
• Time pattern
  • Are episodes occurring repeatedly (recurrent)?
  • How long do they last?
  • Is it getting worse (progressive)?
  • Is it progressing slowly or rapidly?
  • Does it become worse over the course of the day?
• Aggravating and relieving factors
  • What, if anything, makes the paralysis worse?
  • Does it get worse after you take potassium supplements by mouth?
  • Is it better after you rest?

Tests that may be performed include:

• Blood studies (such as CBC or blood differential )
• CT scan or MRI of the head or spine
• Nerve conduction studies and electromyography
• Myelography

Intravenous feeding or feeding tubes may be required in severe cases. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy may be recommended.