What is Paralysis?
{{unsourced|date=January 2012}} '''Paralysis''' is the complete loss of [[muscle]] function for one or more muscle groups, when the thing that is '''paralysed''' cannot [[Movement|move]]. Paralysis is most often caused by damage to the [[nervous system]] or [[brain]], especially the [[spinal cord]]. Major causes are [[stroke]], [[Trauma (medicine)|trauma]], [[poliomyelitis]], [[amyotrophic lateral sclerosis]] (ALS), [[botulism]], [[spina bifida]], [[multiple sclerosis]], and [[Guillain-Barré syndrome]]. Partial paralysis can also occur in the REM stage of [[sleep]] (see:[[Sleep paralysis]]). Paralysis often includes loss of feeling in the affected area. == Types of paralysis == === Hemiplegia === In hemiplegia, one side of the person's body is paralysed. === Monoplegia === During monoplegia, only one limb is unable to move. === Paraplegia === In paraplegia, both legs are unable to move. The person is paralyzed from the [[waist]] down. === Quadriplegia === The most extreme form of paralysis. The whole body from the neck down can't move. === Locked-in syndrome === Paralysis of the whole body.{{biology-stub}} [[Category:Disability]] [[Category:Disorders]]