Health

Paralysis is not defined strictly in medical terms, but there are many health and wellness issues specific to people with mobility related disabilities. This portion of the PRC Web site deals with a wide range of health-related issues, from the many conditions that can cause paralysis, to some of the health related issues brought on by paralysis itself.  This section also presents information relating to sexual health and fertility.

Basics by Condition describes some of the many conditions that are related to paralysis:

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Brachial plexus injury

Brain injury

Cerebral Palsy

Friedrich’s Ataxia

Guillain-Barre Syndrome

Multiple Sclerosis

Muscular Dystrophy

Post-Polio Syndrome

Spina Bifida

Spinal Cord Injury

Stroke

Syringomyelia/Tethered cord

Transverse Myelitis

We also offer resources on the various aspects of paralysis that are common to many conditions. These include:

Autonomic Dysreflexia a potentially dangerous reaction that can occur with high level spinal cord injuries

Bladder Management information for maintaining a healthy bladder

Bowel Care information for healthy bowel care

Functional Electrical Stimulation the use of low voltage currents to enhance the function of paralyzed muscles

Pain a look into the causes and treatments related to paralysis

Respiratory Health information especially for people who use vents

Sexual Health information on sexual function and fertility

Skin Care how to keep skin healthy

Spasticity the different types and causes of spasticity

 Additional Sources:
Model Systems Centers: SCI - Collect and submit acute, rehabilitation and follow-up data on spinal cord injury patients who receive care following their injuries