Paralysis is the loss of the ability to move and/or feel sensation in parts of the body; paralysis occurs due to loss of muscle function and/or sensory damage. It most often caused by a damaged nervous system, namely the spinal cord. Health issues such as stroke, spina bifida, cerebral palsy, or multiple sclerosis can result in paralysis. Serious trauma, such as that to the spine, may also result in paralysis.

There are four main types of paralysis:

  • Monoplegia—One paralyzed limb.
  • Hemiplegia—Both arm and leg are paralyzed. Occurs on either right or left side.
  • Paraplegia—Paralysis of both legs that may include the pelvis and some parts of the lower body.
  • Quadriplegia (tetraplegia)—Paralysis of both arms and both legs.

Unfortunately, paralysis is not always preventable depending on the situation. In preventable cases, medical intervention can prevent paralysis from occurring. When a medical professional properly recognizes symptoms and treats certain conditions—such as spinal cord disease—they help decrease a patient’s chance of developing paralysis. Failure to diagnose a condition that could cause paralysis promptly or accurately puts the patient at risk.

For example, patients who experience strokes have a greater risk of developing paralysis, as the stroke can damage areas of the brain that control muscle function. For example, if the left side of the brain was damaged during a stroke, a patient may develop right-sided paralysis.

Misdiagnosing strokes can lead to permanent brain damage and a greater potential of paralysis. If you sought medical assistance after experiencing a stroke and were misdiagnosed, developing paralysis as a result, you may have a possibility to file a lawsuit.

Sometimes, paralysis is not easily identifiable. It could be apparent right away, such as being unable to move the leg. There could also be no feelings of sensation in the body or there could be diminished feelings of sensation.

General symptoms of paralysis include:

  • Numbness
  • Tingling
  • Changes in vision
  • Balance
  • Loss of bodily functions

Paralysis can also be caused by surgical complications. Patients undergoing neurological or orthopedic surgery are at a greater risk of developing paralysis. Any surgery has its risks, but patients who undergo brain or spinal surgery are especially at risk. Any small error can result in irreparable damage to the body and result in paralysis.

In addition to lifelong immobility, paralysis can result in astronomically high medical bills. Rehabilitation services such as physical or occupational therapy may be necessary. A home health provider or caretaker may need to be brought into the home. In addition to having to change their way of life and pay for the botched surgery, these patients needs to pay to try and get their lives back to a semblance of normalcy.

If you experienced paralysis in Kauai after a surgical procedure or as a result of a misdiagnosed condition, contact the office of Jed Kurzban today to discuss your case and see if you have a potential medical malpractice lawsuit. The medical practitioners already took away your mobility; don’t let them take away your financial means of living, too.