Can Paralysis Be Treated?

Posted on Mon, 28 Nov 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 27 Nov 2016 Answered on

Tue, 20 Dec 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Do you treat paralysis

Answered by Dr. Ishu Bishnoi (-4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Need information about your question

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX arias, thanks for asking from HCM.

I could not get what do you wanting treatment. On this website, we doctors can advise you what to do in case of paralysis. If you want any prescription of medication, proper clinical examination, physiotherapy help, then you have to consult a neurosurgeon or neurologist nearby you and he/she will also advise you about good physiotherapist.

I can tell you what to do/don't do in case of paralysis, how to approach the doctor, what to look for, what exercise you can do.

So please specify. Accordingly I will help you.

Hope you will understand my point. If any doubt, do let me know.
Thanks. Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Ishu Bishnoi (30 hours later)

Im a c4 quad i was wondering what treatments there are available or if you could refer me to a doctor. It asks for mri i have1 from April and i was also wondering what you know about schwamn cells

Answered by Dr. Ishu Bishnoi (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Treatment of quadriparesis

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX arias, welcome back.

The treatment of quadriparesis or quadriplegia depends upon time and extent. The usual time of regeneration of nerves is upto 12-18 months. The best recovery is possible in first 12 months.

Prognosis of -plegia (complete paralysis) is worse than -paresis (Incomplete weaknesss).

Other factors which can also affect prognosis and recovery, is

- Whether edema or myleomalacia is present. The prognosis of edema is better than myleomalacia.

Now you can correlate your injury with above factors and can guess your prognosis.

Now coming to the treatment of paralysis, you can consult a good neurosurgeon and can follow following advise

- Physiotherapy - A very good active and passive physiotherapy are needed for best recovery. Consult physiotherapist who can advise you best exercise of each joints.
It will also prevent any contracture or flexor spasm

- Nerve growth factors and vitamins like B12, folic acid, pyridoxine, pentothanic acid, S-Adenosyl methionine, CoQ, citicoline supplements can be taken after prescription. They role is doubtful but they might help.

- Good nutrition (protein rich diet) and calcium/vitamin D3 supplements help in regeneration of muscles and give strength to bone and muscle. It will take care of mild weakness.

- There are few methods which can help in regeneration of neurons at injury site. These are

Bone marrow cell injection
Stem cell therapy
Injection of nerve growth factors
Use of Schwann cells at injury site

All these treatments are very new and very costly. Your neurosurgeon can tell you which treatment will suit you. Usually in all these treatments, the regenerating material is injected at injury site and above/below it. Then some time is given during which regeneration occurs and along with it complete physiotherapy is given. Response is assessed at frequent intervals. Best response in within 1-3 months.

Now coming to Schwann cells - Schwann cells are type of nerve cells whose function is to provide insulating coating around main message carrying nerve. It is just like rubber wrap around electric wires.

By this insulation or myelin, Schwann cells increase the speed of current in the neurons and thus rapid messaging.

I cannot refer you to doctor as there is no written document or any signed advise. For reference, consult general physician at your place.

Hope it will help you. Still in doubt, do let me know.
Thanks. Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D