What Causes Paralysis?
Paralysis is a medical condition typically caused by damage to the brain or spinal cord, such as from an injury suffered in a traumatic accident. When the nervous system gets damaged, it can disrupt the signaling system between the body and brain, resulting in a temporary or permanent loss of feeling and function below the point of injury. Identifying the most common causes of paralysis could help you prevent this injury.
What Is Paralysis?
Paralysis describes the loss of motor function and/or sensation in one or more parts of the body. There are different types of paralysis based on the extent and area of the symptoms. For example, monoplegia is paralysis affecting one limb only, while paraplegia affects both legs and quadriplegia affects all four limbs and the torso. There is also incomplete vs. complete paralysis and facial paralysis.
Common Causes of Paralysis
Paralysis is the result of nervous system damage or nerve injury. The messaging system can be disrupted due to damage caused by a brain injury, spinal cord injury, stroke, neurological disease, tumor or cancer.
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, the most common causes of spinal cord injuries in the U.S. are:
- Motor vehicle accidents: car crashes can inflict damage to the nerves through a traumatic injury, such as a spinal cord injury.
- Acts of violence: violent and criminal acts involving physical injuries, such as stabbings, assault and gunshot wounds can sever nerves and cause paralysis.
- Falls: serious falls, especially from heights, can fracture or injure the spinal cord or cause permanent brain damage that inflicts paralysis.
- Sports injuries: impacts from contact sports such as football or victims being struck with flying objects, such as balls and hockey pucks, can result in paralysis.
- Medical injuries: improper medical care, also known as medical malpractice, can lead to nerve damage and paralysis.
- Workplace accidents: work injuries – including transportation accidents, falls, poisoning, crush injuries and machinery accidents – can cause permanent paralysis.
Diseases and medical conditions that cause damage to the brain or spinal cord can also result in a case of paralysis. It may be possible to prevent paralysis with the right precautions during potentially dangerous activities, such as wearing protective gear at work and sports or using a seat belt in the car.
Who Is Most at Risk of Paralysis?
Studies show that around 5.4 million people are currently living with paralysis in the United States. Most people living with paralysis are younger than the age of 65 (72.1 percent). Two-thirds of patients are between the ages of 18 and 64. Females have a slightly higher rate of paralysis than males (51.7 percent), while males have a higher rate of spinal cord injuries. The majority of individuals with paralysis are White (71.4 percent).
Legal Remedies for Paralysis in California
Paralysis is life-changing. Only a small percentage of individuals with spinal cord injuries are able to restore the full range of their previous function. If someone else is responsible for causing your spinal cord injury in California, you have the right to seek justice and financial compensation by filing a claim. A Los Angeles personal injury lawyer can help you get the most out of your claim with proven legal strategies.