Muscle function loss

• A
• B
• C
• D
• E
• F
• G
• H
• I
• J
• K
• L
• M
• N
• O
• P
• R
• S
• T
• U
• V
• W
• Y

Paralysis; Loss of movement

If cranial nerves are damaged, there may be difficulty with chewing and swallowing. In these cases, a soft diet is recommended.

Prolonged immobility can cause serious complications; therefore, frequent position changes and good skin care are very important. Passive range-of-motion exercises may help to maintain some muscle tone and are encouraged.

The use of splints may help prevent muscle contractures.

In all cases, follow prescribed therapy.

• There is any paralysis.

The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting paralysis in detail may include:

• Location
  • What part(s) of the body are affected?
  • Is the loss all over?
  • Is it on only one side of the body (hemiplegia)?
  • Is it from the waist down?
  • Is it from the neck down?
  • Did it develop in a top-to-bottom pattern (descending paralysis)?
  • Does it occur on both sides equally (symmetrical)?
  • Is it only one specific part of the body?
    • Is it the hips, legs, or feet (lower extremities)?
    • Is there difficulty getting out of a chair or climbing stairs (hip or pelvis)?
    • Is it the lower leg?
    • Is it the thigh?
    • Is it the knee?
    • Is it the ankle?
    • Does the foot drag or point towards the floor (footdrop)?
    • Is it the shoulders, arms, or hands (upper extremities)?
    • Is it the shoulder, upper chest, and upper arm (shoulder girdle)?
    • Is it the arm?
    • Is there difficulty lifting arm above head?
    • Does it cause inability to extend or lift the wrist (wrist drop)?
    • Is it the hand?
    • Is there difficulty gripping (grasping)?
• Quality
  • Is the person aware of the movement difficulty (motor deficit)?
  • Is there also pain?
  • Is there numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation?
• Time pattern
  • Has there been a spontaneous recovery?
  • Did it just develop recently?
  • Are episodes occurring repeatedly (recurrent)?
  • How long do episodes last?
  • Is it getting worse (progressive)?
  • Is it progressing slowly or rapidly?
  • Does it become worse over the course of the day?
  • At what age did this begin?
• Aggravating factors
  • Is it worse after exertion or use?
  • Is it worse during a period of rest after exercise?
  • Is it worse after taking potassium supplements - oral?
• Relieving factors
  • Is it better after you rest?
• Other
  • What other symptoms are also present?