Paralysis is the complete loss of muscle function for one or more muscle groups and often includes loss of feeling in the affected area. It can be caused by damage to upper motor neurons, which convey signals from the brain to the nervous system, or lower motor neurons, which connect to muscles. Signs and symptoms depend on the location and severity of damage and may include numbness, tingling, pain, vision problems, speech difficulties, and breathing issues. Treatments focus on physical and occupational therapy to regain mobility, muscle strength, and independence through techniques like range of motion exercises and home modifications.

1. Paralysis What is it? Who is affected Signs and symptoms Causes What happens to the body Different variations Treatments How treatment works By: Heather, Jeffrey, Jamie, Angeline

2. What is paralysis? Paralysis is the complete loss of muscle function for one or more muscle groups. Paralysis often includes loss of feeling in the affected area.

3. Types of Paralysis Paralysis is caused by damage to a neuron (nerve supplying to muscle) Upper motor neurons convey the message from the brain to the nervous system -Damage causes an increased tightening in muscle called spasticity. Lower motor neurons provide the final path for the signal to reach the muscle -Damage leads to loss of tone called flaccidity

4. Types of paralysis symptoms Facial paralysis Sleep paralysis Jaw paralysis Leg paralysis Partial paralysis Total paralysis Muscle paralysis Paraplegia Flaccid paralysis Ankle paralysis Arm paralysis Elbow paralysis Eye paralysis Finger paralysis Foot paralysis Jaw paralysis Knee paralysis Thigh paralysis Wrist paralysis paraplegia

5. Signs and symptoms Sudden paralysis is most often caused by injury or stroke. Damage to the right side of the brain - paralysis on the left side of the body Damage to the spine -equal sided paralysis Damage to the lower spine - paralysis of both legs (paraplegia) Damage done higher on the spine - paralysis of all four limbs (quadriplegia)

6. More signs and symptoms symptoms may include : numbness tingling pain changes in vision difficulties with speech problems with balance difficulties in breathing. Numbness Tingling in leg

7. Variations of Paralysis Noted by severity -Plegia: Total loss of movement ability (true paralysis) -Paresis: Only muscle weakness -Palsy: Means the same thing as paralysis (another common term)

8. Upper and Lower Neuron Damage The range of causes is very vast and is complicated further when both neuron groups are affected. Conditions that affect the brain and spinal cord usually result in upper motor neuron damage -i.e. Stroke, tumors, multiple sclerosis, spinal bifida, cerebral palsy, or severe injury to the neck, head, or back Lower motor neuron damage resulting in flaccid paralysis is less common and can occur when an injury to a limb involves a nerve supplying to muscle -i.e. An injury to the upper arm could lead to the loss of movement in the hand and forearm

9. Polyneuropathies A large number of rather rare disorders that can cause more widespread paralysis Can be inherited May be triggered by drugs, allergies, or poison May be a symptom of diabetes A more well known example would be poliomyelitis

10. Motor Neuron Disease A group of progressive neurological disorders that destroy motor neurons Causes both types of paralysis -This can also occur when people suffer severe injuries such as head or spinal injury, along with lower motor neuron paralysis from injury to the nerves providing to muscle.

11. Who is affected? Strokes (certain types) Spinal cord injuries Broken necks Neurological diseases Autoimmune diseases Bell’s palsy Source: Medline Plus

12. Treatments and how the treatment works Physical therapy Mobility Range of motion Muscle strength Source: Health A to Z

13. Treatments and how the treatment works Occupational therapy Modify home Allow self-care Other Respiratory therapist Psychologist Speech therapist Respiratory therapist

14. Work cited page Health A to Z Medline Plus Brain an spine foundation Wrong diagnosis Power point and presentation by: Heather, Jamie, Jeffrey and Angeline