Paralysis is a term used in conjunction with various medical conditions. Although the exact cause, symptoms, and treatments vary from condition to condition, all forms are characterized by a loss of motor function. Three common forms are cerebral palsy, Bell's palsy, and brachial palsy.
Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders characterized by a loss of function throughout the body. The severity of this condition varies greatly from patient to patient, as do the symptoms. A person with it may experience difficulties with cognition, sensation, perception, and communication. He or she may also have behavioral disorders or seizure disorders.
This form is present at birth in 75% of cases, and there is no cure for the condition. Another 5% of cases develop at birth, and 15% occur after birth. In most cases, the cause of cerebral palsy is unknown. However, about 20% of cases are caused by malnutrition, head trauma, and infections. Regardless of how it develops, the disorder is not progressive.
In the case of Bell's palsy, only the face is affected. It is characterized by sagging, which usually occurs on only one side of the face. The drooping is the result of the cranial nerve, which controls the muscles of the face, malfunctioning. In addition to the falling sensation, a person with Bell's palsy may also lose their sense of taste and experience pain around the ear.
The cause of Bell's palsy remains largely a mystery. Certain conditions and diseases, however, can lead to the development of it. These include diabetes mellitus, meningitis, tumor, and stroke.
Herpes infections and Lyme disease have also been linked to Bell's palsy. Also, head trauma can be a cause. In fact, some babies are born with the disorder. This is usually the result of trauma at birth that caused permanent nerve damage.
Brachial palsy, also known as Erb's palsy, Klumpke's palsy, or Erb-Duchenne's palsy, is characterized by general weakness or paralysis of the arm. This occurs when the brachial plexus or the nerves located around the shoulder are damaged. This condition is often brought on by a traumatic birthing experience, such as the baby's head being pulled to one side or the shoulders being pushed excessively. Pressure placed on an arm during breech delivery can also cause this shape.
In most cases, brachial palsy corrects itself. However, babies who still have arm movement difficulties at three to six months may require surgery to correct the problem. Surgery may involve the transfer of tendons to the affected area.