Paralysis can change a person’s life forever. Along with the physical disablement that accompanies paralysis, there is also mental anguish. Some choose to give up, while others fight to regain movement in their bodies.

Types of Paralysis

Paralysis causes an individual to lose control over a muscle group or limb. Damage to the nervous system is at the heart of what causes paralysis. Paralysis is not always a lifelong condition. Physical therapy can help to regenerate nerve cells, often allowing a person to regain normal control over their body. Monoplegia affects only one limb while diplegia affects both regions of the body, bilaterally. Hemiplegia affects only one side of the body and paraplegia affects the legs and trunk. A quadriplegic is paralyzed from the neck down. Strokes, tumors, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, and metabolic disorders can all cause paralysis. Trauma sustained from impact during a car crash or athletic competition are some of the more common causes of paralysis. Damage to the spinal cord is also associated with paralysis.

Christopher Reeve

Christopher Reeve was a prominent actor who became quadriplegic due to a horse riding accident. Christopher Reeve was born on September 25, 1952 in New York City. After studying at Cornell University, he was selected to study alongside comedian Robin Williams at the Julliard School of the Performing Arts. His acting career was cut short by his accident. He is best known for his role in the film Superman. After his accident, Christopher Reeve continued to act and became an inspiration to all people afflicted with paralysis. Reeve speared-headed efforts to increase funding for paralysis research before his death at age 52. The Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation was created in 1982 and has donated an estimated $53 million to paralysis research efforts.

Rehabilitation

Paralysis rehab can take a very long time and improvement is usually seen in small increments. It requires enormous amounts of mental strength and commitment in order to overcome the obstacles associated with paralysis. Because the muscles of paralyzed areas of the body have not been used for extended periods of time, it may take large amounts of time to regain muscle strength.

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