What Are the Leading Causes of Paralysis?

Colburn Law

Posted in Blog,Personal Injury,Spinal Cord Injury on February 14, 2023

Paralysis is a medical condition that causes a loss of muscle function, sensation, and control over certain parts of the body. It can occur due to various reasons, ranging from medical conditions to physical injuries, and can have a profound impact on your life. You may require lifelong medical care, become unable to work, and endure significant pain and suffering.

Many factors could cause paralysis, and the leading causes include stroke, multiple sclerosis, and spinal cord injuries. Sometimes, this injury is caused by the negligence of another person or entity; if this is the case, it is important to speak with a personal injury attorney as soon as you can.

Stroke

A stroke is a medical condition that occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted or reduced. This damage can lead to a range of physical and cognitive problems, including paralysis.

Stroke-related paralysis typically occurs due to damage to the motor cortex or the corticospinal tract in the brain. The motor cortex is responsible for controlling the voluntary movements of the body, while the corticospinal tract transmits motor signals from the brain to the spinal cord. When the motor cortex or corticospinal tract is damaged due to stroke, it can result in paralysis of the affected body parts.

Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, causing inflammation and damage to the myelin sheath that surrounds nerve fibers. This disease can cause a variety of neurological symptoms, including muscle weakness, spasticity, and paralysis.

In patients with MS, paralysis can occur due to damage to nerve fibers that control voluntary body movements, resulting in a loss of muscle function and autonomy. The severity of the paralysis depends on the extent of the nerve damage, and it can be temporary or permanent.

Spinal Cord Injuries

The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves that runs from the brain through the spinal column and is responsible for transmitting messages between the brain and the rest of the body. A spinal cord injury occurs when there is damage to the spinal cord, which can result in a loss of sensation, movement, and function in the affected body parts.

There are two main types of spinal cord injury: complete and incomplete. 

• A complete spinal cord injury is when there is no sensation or movement below the level of the injury.
• An incomplete spinal cord injury means that there is some degree of sensation and movement below the level of the injury. 

Some of the most common causes of spinal cord injuries include car accidents, falls, sports-related injuries, gunshot wounds, and diseases. The effects of spinal cord injuries can be long-lasting, and many patients require expensive lifelong care and support.

Legal Options for Spinal Cord Injury Victims

If you suffered a spinal cord injury due to the negligence or wrongdoing of another party, you deserve justice. In these situations, you may be entitled to financial compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. 

By filing a legal claim, you can recover damages to help pay for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages and income
• Disability accommodations
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of quality of life

A Seattle spinal cord injury lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve. Schedule a free consultation today to discuss your case and learn more about your legal options.