Paralysis Patient Care

The loss of muscle function is called Paralysis which is usually accompanied by the sensory loss in the affected area. It can affect any part of the body at any time during a person's life. It occurs due to the damage of central nervous system especially the spinal cord. Paralysis can occur either partially or completely, temporary or permanent, localized or generalized. The most common causes of paralysis are stroke, head injury, spinal cord injury, and multiple sclerosis. It also includes trauma, polio, nerve damage etc.
Sometimes what may look like the obvious symptoms of paralysis actually may not be paralysis. The complete loss of muscle function is called paralysis. Paralysis of both arms and legs is called quadriplegia and lower half paralysis is called paraplegia. It happens because the brain can't send messages to the different part of the body due to various reasons. Sometimes the whole body may be paralyzed except the eyes. A paralysis patient may also face a host of medical problems such as bed sores, pneumonia, pressure ulcers etc. Usually paralysis occurs along with some of the following symptoms:
• Loss of consciousness • Difficulty in writing or speaking
• Severe headache • Loss or changes in vision or hearing
• Breathing trouble • Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Clumsiness and numbness • Nausea with or without vomiting
Unfortunately, there is no cure for permanent paralysis till date. Many people with paralysis may not be able to complete some or all of the activities of daily living. Suddenly a bed, a room converts into a war zone of medicines, cotton, gauze, napkins, feeders, cleaning fluids etc. It becomes very difficult situation for the care giver who gets fade up very soon. But life must go on and the patient must be cared for. There is some way to rehabilitate and make your loved one more self-sufficient. Paralysis home care plays an important role in providing the best quality of life possible for the patient. It assists to do all of the activities of daily living with integrity. Specially trained health care professionals assist paralysis patients in the comfort of their own home in activities such as feeding, bathing, dressing, bodily elimination, grooming etc.
Partially paralysis patients care: Treatment will depend upon the cause of partial paralysis, and might include physical therapy, occupational therapy, surgery, prescription medication, or a combination of the above. If the patient is not completely immobile, encourage him/her to do whatever the patient can on his own. One has to alternatively be gentle and firm until the person gets use to being independent as much as possible. This not only gives a psychological boost to the patient but also gives the care-giver respite. It is very important to do physiotherapy or physical exercise as many times a day as is recommended. Vigorous breathing exercises are important. Allow social interaction, a day out keeps the spirits high.
Completely paralysis patients care: If the patient is bed ridden then the care should be intensive. One of the major requirements, here, is a hospital bed which has movable parts, so that the patient can be raised or lowered. Patients have to be turned after every half an hour to avoid bed sores. Always keep the room clean to give a healthy atmosphere to the patient. Do not compromise with the quality of sheets, covers, bed pan, urine pots, feeding utensils even oils and creams. If the patient has a urinary catheter or a stomach bag, then cleaning and emptying would have to be done regularly. A medicine schedule has to be maintained properly. Keep the patient cheerful by celebrating festivals, birthdays, inviting friends, neighbors, relatives for occasional tea. If the patient can be lifted onto a wheel chair, then move out for an evening stroll. Keep the old routine of newspaper and last of all a smiling face of care giver keeps the patient well.