The Incidence and Prevalence of Paralysis

Paralysis can, unfortunately, be considered a prevalent issue in America. According to the 2013 US Paralysis Prevalence and Health Disparities Survey, an estimated 5.4 million people, or roughly 1 in 50, live with paralysis in the US, although the causes and demographics of this population vary. Given the high occurrence, having at least a broad overview is paramount for those who live with paralysis and those tasked with caring for them.

Understanding Paralysis

Paralysis is clinically defined as a loss of strength or lack of voluntary muscle control. When neural connections to the brain are disrupted, the consequential nerve damage leads to either temporary or permanent paralysis.

The Demographics of Paralysis

According to the survey mentioned above, most study participants were younger than 65 years of age (72.1%), female (51.7%), and Caucasian (71.4%). They were mostly graduates of high school (64.8%), married or living with a partner (47.4%), and unable to work (41.8%).

From an employment standpoint, only 15.5% of individuals with paralysis are employed versus 63.1% without paralysis — a staggering 41.8% of people with paralysis indicated they were unable to work. The households for those with paralysis also have lower incomes, with about 28% of households with someone with paralysis bringing in less than $15,000 annually.

The Symptoms of Paralysis

Numbness and loss of voluntary movement are the most well-known effects of paralysis. However, the body’s other systems can be impacted, leading to the following symptoms or secondary effects.

• Muscle cramping, tingling, or pain after exercise
• Recurrent, lasting bouts of muscle weakness or weakness
• Blood flow disruption
• Issues with breathing, speaking or swallowing
• Organ dysfunction
• Impaired sexual responses
• Incontinence

The Types of Paralysis

Paralysis occurs in varying severities and is categorized depending on the location, severity, and duration of the injury as well as which and to what degree muscle groups are affected.

The 2 main classifications of paralysis are localized and generalized. Localized paralysis refers to one small area of the body affected, often the face, vocal cords, or extremities. On the other hand, generalized paralysis is more widespread and defined depending on how much of the body experiences the paralysis.

A breakdown of paralysis is as follows:

• Monoplegia affects one limb, such as an arm or leg.
• Diplegia affects the same area bilaterally, or on both sides of the body (e.g., both arms or both legs).
• Hemiplegia is experienced unilaterally, or affects only one side of the body. Stroke usually causes this kind of paralysis.
• Quadriplegia/tetraplegia affects both the upper and lower extremities.
• Paraplegia affects only the legs.
• Locked-in Syndrome is a rare, acute form of paralysis in which the person can only move their eyes but all other muscles are immobilized.
• Paresis is when the afflicted person experiences weak or impaired muscles but does have some level of control over them. This is also referred to as mild or partial paralysis.

The Causes of Paralysis

There are many causes of paralysis, but most incidences are the result of stroke (33.7%), with spinal cord injury (27.3%) following a close second, then multiple sclerosis (18.6%), and cerebral palsy (8.3%).

Other causes include:

• Acute Flaccid Myelitis
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
• Arteriovenous Malformations
• Brachial Plexus Injury
• Brain Injury
• Cerebral Palsy
• Friedrich’s Ataxia
• Guillain-Barré Syndrome
• Leukodystrophies
• Lyme Disease
• Muscular Dystrophy
• Neurofibromatosis
• Peripheral Neuropathy
• Post-Polio Syndrome
• Spina Bifida
• Spinal Muscular Atrophy
• Spinal Tumors
• Syringomyelia and Tethered Cord
• Transverse Myelitis

Exercise for People With Paralysis

Movement is included as 1 of the 6 activities defined as requirements for living independently with paralysis, known as Activities of Daily Living (ADLs).

• Ambulating or moving and walking
• Feeding
• Dressing
• Hygiene
• Continence
• Toileting

However, exercise is undoubtedly more challenging for those with paralysis but is necessary to live healthily both physically and mentally. A sedentary lifestyle leads to complications such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes as well as depression and reduced quality of life.

Functional Electrical Stimulation

Fortunately, a therapy exists that helps people with paralysis and weakened muscles experience beneficial movement again. Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES), like that harnessed by the MyoCycle, uses electrodes to prompt muscle contraction and deliver lost signals to the targeted muscle groups. When used regularly, this incredible neurorehabilitation method can:

• Strengthen muscles
• Improve cardiovascular health, joint range of motion, and fitness
• Increase muscle mass and local blood circulation
• Reduce muscle spasticity

FES cycling can be used by people living with paralysis caused by multiple events, including stroke, multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s disease, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, Familial Spastic Paraplegia (FSP), cerebral palsy, and other disorders.

MYOLYN Is Here to Help You Move Again Despite Paralysis

Being diagnosed with paralysis will change your life, but it does not have to mean you never exercise or move again. MYOLYN was born out of a desire to help those with paralysis rediscover movement and be encouraged to live a healthy, full life. When you are ready to discover all the benefits FES cycling can provide, reach out to our caring team.