Temporary paralysis can be caused by brain or nervous system damage, genetic disorders, drug reactions, blood flow restrictions, and even natural body functions like REM sleep. It can also be caused by infections, electrolyte imbalances, and extreme emotional distress. A neurologist should be consulted to evaluate the patient and determine the cause, which may be treatable.
Causes of temporary paralysis can include damage to the brain or nervous system, some rare genetic disorders, drug reactions, and blood flow restrictions. When people experience a temporary loss of sensation or motor control in one area of the body, they may need to be evaluated by a doctor, as it is possible for it to turn into a permanent problem. People known to be at risk can be told about steps they can take to avoid or reduce the chances of developing paralysis.
One of the causes of this condition is actually completely natural. When people are in REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, the body is temporarily paralyzed due to signals sent through the nervous system to prevent problems such as kicks and injuries. Sometimes, this system malfunctions and people experience paralysis in different stages of sleep or while awake.
Injuries to the brain and nervous system, including strokes, diabetic neuropathy, and pinched nerves, can cause temporary paralysis. Some progressive neurodegenerative diseases are associated with periodic paralysis, which eventually develops into a permanent problem. Patients who experience impaired sensation along with other neurological symptoms such as confusion may need to be evaluated for brain injury, while people who experience physical trauma such as fractures and heavy blows may experience transient paralysis caused by nerve damage.
Some drugs are paralytic, and in fact can be used for this very reason, as seen in general anesthesia. Others have been known to cause paralysis or temporary paralysis as a side effect. Patients taking these drugs are warned of the risk. Another cause of temporary paralysis can be an interruption in the blood supply, leading to temporary muscle dysfunction. Restoring the blood supply should fix the problem.
Some infections can cause a person to be temporarily paralyzed, as can genetic conditions that can cause people to have neurological problems in response to environmental factors such as cold or heat. Other conditions can disrupt the electrolyte balance in the body, interfering with nerve function or muscle movement. Paralysis has also been observed in people who are in states of extreme emotional distress. There is nothing functionally wrong with these patients, but they experience temporary paralysis as a stress reaction to a situation.
When a patient develops temporary paralysis, a neurologist may be consulted to conduct a thorough evaluation of the patient, checking for any obvious causes. The cause may be treatable. Loss of sensation and movement can also potentially be a sign that a progressive medical condition is getting worse.
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