Muscle function loss Health Article

Definition

Muscle function loss is when a muscle doesn't work or move normally. The medical term for complete loss of muscle function is paralysis.

Alternative Names

Paralysis; Paresis; Loss of movement; Motor dysfunction

Considerations

Loss of muscle function may be caused by:

• Injury such as a broken neck or back
• Nerve damage (neuropathy)
• Not using a muscle
• Stroke or other brain injury

The loss of muscle function after these types of events can be severe, and often will not completely return.

Paralysis can be temporary or permanent. It can affect a small area (localized) or be widespread (generalized). It may affect one side (unilateral) or both sides (bilateral).

If the paralysis affects the lower half of the body and both legs it is called paraplegia. It if affects both arms and legs, it is called quadriplegia. If the paralysis affects the muscles that cause breathing, it is quickly life threatening.

Common Causes

Causes of paralysis include:

• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease)
• Bell's palsy
• Botulism
• Guillain-Barre syndrome
• Neuropathy
• Paralytic shellfish poisoning
• Periodic paralysis
• Peroneal dystrophy
• Polio
• Spinal cord injury
• Stroke

Home Care

Sudden loss of muscle function is a medical emergency. Seek immediate medical help.

After you have received medical treatment, your doctor may recommend some of the following measures:

• Follow your prescribed therapy.
• If the nerves to your face or head are damaged, you may have difficulty chewing and swallowing or closing your eyes. In these cases, a soft diet may be recommended. You will also need some form of eye protection, such as a patch over the eye while you are asleep.
• Long-term immobility can cause serious complications. Change positions often and take care of your skin. Range-of-motion exercises may help to maintain some muscle tone.
• Splints may help prevent muscle contractures, a condition in which a muscle becomes permanently shortened.

Call your health care provider if

Muscle paralysis always requires immediate medical attention. If you notice gradual weakening or problems with a muscle, get medical attention as soon as possible.