Neurogenerative Disease (Paralysis)

Question 1

According to WHO, what is the definition of neurological disorders?

Answer 1

Neurological disorders are diseases that affect the central and peripheral nervous system including the brain, spinal cord, cranial nerves, peripheral nerves, nerve roots, autonomic nervous system and muscles

Question 2

What are some causes of neurological diseases?

Answer 2

• genetic disorders
• congenital abnormalities
• infection
• lifestyle or environmental factors (malnutrition)
• brain injury
• spinal cord injury
• nerve injury

Question 3

What are some common neurological diseases?

Answer 3

• Neural tube defects
• Hydrocephalus
• Muscle paralysis
• Motor neurons disease
• Parkinson’s
• Alzheimer’s

Question 4

What are the two differing neural tube defect diseases? What are the characteristics of these diseases?

Answer 4

Anencephaly (failure in normal development of brain and cranial cavity)
Spina Bifida (failed closure of the spinal cavity and backbone)

Question 5

What is hydrocephalus? What is the primary cause?

Answer 5

A build up of fluid inside the skull leading to increased pressure and brain damage. A blockage of the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

Question 6

What is paralysis? Where does it occur?

Answer 6

The partial or complete loss of muscle function. In a part of the body, one side, both sides, or widespread

Question 7

What are the 2 types of paralysis? What are the characteristics of each?

Answer 7

Flaccid paralysis:

• Lower motor neurons lesion
• Interruption of reflex arc responsible for muscle tone
• No voluntary muscle control
• Muscle deprived of innervation
• Low muscle tone

Spastic paralysis:

• Upper motor neurons lesion
• Reflex arc not disturbed
• No voluntary muscle control
• Muscle retains innervation
• increased muscle tone

Question 8

What are the signs of paralysis?

Answer 8

Sudden paralysis usually occurs due to injury or stroke

• Damage to the right side of the brain (stroke) = paralysis in left side of the body
• Damage to the spine = equal sided paralysis
• Damage to lower spine = paralysis in both legs (paraplegia)
• Damage done to higher portion of spine - paralysis of all four limbs (quadriplegia)

Question 9

What are the symptoms of paralysis?

Answer 9

• numbness
• tingling
• pain
• vision changes
• speech difficulties
• balance difficulties
• breathing difficulties

Question 10

What are the 3 variations of paralysis?

Answer 10

Plegia = Total loss of movement ability (true paralysis)
Paresis = Only muscle weakness
Palsy - Same as paralysis (common term)

Question 11

What are some polyneuropathies?

Answer 11

• Upper neuron damage (due to stroke, tumours, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, severe injury to neck, back or head)
• lower neuron damage (due to injury to a limb, e.g. an arm injury could cause loss of movement in hand)
• rare disorders that can cause paralysis (can be inherited)
• Triggered by drugs, allergies, poison
• Symptom of diabetes
• Poliomyelitis

Question 12

What are some treatments/therapies for paralysis?

Answer 12

• Physical therapy (mobility, balance, range of motion, muscle strengthening)
• Occupational therapy (modifications to the home, self-care)
• Speech therapist (for speech as well as choking)
• Respiratory therapist (retraining of abdominal/intercostal muscles)
• Psychologist (for psychosocial skills and to come to terms with paralysis)