Arm paralysis

What is arm paralysis? This term is correctly used to describe the complete absence of motor function in the upper limb.

If movements in the arm are present, but they are limited in amplitude and strength, then we should talk about incomplete paralysis, or paresis.

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Epidemiology

The epidemiology of the disease is as follows: 1.5 cases per 1000 newborns (data for Russia as of 2000). Both boys and girls are susceptible to the pathology. Right-sided obstetric paralysis is most common.

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Causes arm paralysis

Both paralysis and paresis most often arise as a result of disorders in the functioning of the nervous system, and specifically, the active centers that are responsible for voluntary movements, as well as the conducting channels of the central and peripheral nervous system.

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Risk factors

The main risk factors that lead to such disorders may be the following:

• traumatic injuries, craniocerebral injuries;
• serious metabolic disorders;
• infectious damage to the central nervous system (inflammation of the meninges, poliomyelitis, tuberculosis, etc.);
• exposure to toxic substances (eg, lead poisoning);
• malignant brain lesions;
• trophic disorders;
• hereditary weakness of the nervous system;
• congenital innervation disorders.

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Symptoms arm paralysis

The first signs of incipient paralysis of the arm are a limitation of the amplitude of voluntary movement, the appearance of weakness. Weakness in the limb begins in the wrist, gradually spreading to the proximal muscles. The simplest way to determine increasing paresis is to shake the hand.

• Left arm paralysis is a common occurrence accompanying cerebrovascular accident, cerebral atherosclerosis, hypertension. In this case, upper limb paralysis can occur simultaneously with lower limb damage, as well as with paresis of the hypoglossal and facial nerves.
• Paralysis of the right arm may be a consequence of a dislocation of the shoulder joint, damage to the shoulder plexus. The patient loses the ability to move the limb to the side, lift it. Movements in the elbow joint are extremely limited or absent altogether.
• Finger paralysis occurs when the nerve in the middle of the shoulder is affected. The most common manifestation of finger paralysis is weakness of the hand and lack of motor activity in the phalanges. In some cases, there is a change in the sensitivity of the back of the thumb.
• Partial paralysis of the arm is a condition where the strength and range of motion in the joints are relatively preserved. To determine partial paralysis, the Barre test is used: the patient is asked to stretch his arms out in front of him and hold them that way for as long as possible. If paresis or partial paralysis is present, the limbs drop immediately.
• Obstetric paralysis of the arm is the immobilization of the upper limb of a newborn baby. This condition is usually caused by damage to the shoulder or nerve endings during labor.

Stages

Birth paralysis has four stages of development:

• acute stage (in the neonatal period);
• early recovery stage (up to one year of age);
• late recovery stage (up to 3 years of age);
• residual stage (after 3 years).

Obstetric paralysis is accompanied by a passive position of the affected arm. Cervical symptoms are also present, indicating damage to the cervical vertebrae and spinal cord.

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Forms

Paralysis can be central (spastic) and peripheral (flaccid).

The central form of paralysis occurs due to a malfunction of the motor central nerve cells. With this type of paralysis, deep reflexes are intensified, hypertonicity occurs, and reflexes appear that should not normally be there (for example, the Babinski reflex, Rossolimo, etc.).

Flaccid paralysis is a consequence of damage to peripheral motor nerve cells. This type of paralysis is characterized by a decrease or loss of reflexes, hypotonia, and atrophy. Sometimes the condition is aggravated by muscle twitching.

Paralysis in most cases occurs as a result of severe damage to parts of the nervous system. Only occasionally is the disease associated with functional problems. Most often, it is the result of damage to certain areas responsible for movement, which leads to the appearance of:

• monoparalysis or monoparesis (paralysis of one arm);
• paraparalysis or paraparesis (damage to both arms);
• hemiplegia (damage to the arm and leg on the left or right);
• triplegia (damage to three limbs);
• tetraplegia (damage to all arms and legs).

In this case, paralysis can affect the entire limb, or only its distal or proximal part.

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Complications and consequences

Paralysis of the arm is only one of the symptoms or consequences of some underlying disease, so the development of complications and prognosis depend on how correctly the diagnosis is made and treatment is prescribed.

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Diagnostics arm paralysis

Diagnosis of arm paralysis is based on the patient's medical history and examination. In case of complete paralysis, the upper limb hangs freely down, the elbow joint is extended, the fingers are bent. Motor activity is absent.

In addition, the doctor may prescribe certain tests:

• general blood test;
• biochemical blood test;
• general urine analysis;
• Cerebrospinal fluid examination.

Instrumental diagnostics may include:

• EMG – electromyography – a method for studying the bioelectric potentials of the neuromuscular system;
• computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging;
• study of the innervation of peripheral nerve fibers.

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Differential diagnosis

Differential diagnostics are carried out taking into account the types of polyneuritis and polymyositis, which can also manifest as symptoms of paresis and paralysis.

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Treatment arm paralysis

Complex therapy for arm paralysis should include:

• drug treatment;
• physiotherapy;
• massage treatments;
• LFK;
• drug blockades.

The selection of the treatment method is carried out individually, taking into account the underlying disease that caused the paralysis.

Drug treatment primarily includes the administration of muscle relaxants, as well as medications that improve cerebral circulation.

		Method of administration and dosage			Side effects	Special instructions
Baclofen		Prescribed according to an individual regimen from ½ to 2 tablets three times a day during meals.			Drowsiness, nausea.	Not recommended for use in cases of digestive system diseases.
Sirdalud		Prescribed dose is 2 to 4 mg three times a day.			Fatigue, dizziness, thirst, decreased blood pressure, nausea.	Do not use simultaneously with Fluvoxamine and Ciprofloxacin.
Diazepam		Average daily dosage is 5 mg. Course of treatment is 1 month.			Fatigue, drowsiness, headache, weakness.	The course of treatment is completed gradually to avoid withdrawal syndrome.
Dantrolene		Average daily dosage is 25 mg. Maximum daily dosage is 400 mg.			Depressive states, headache, dyspepsia, appetite disorders.	Not prescribed to children under 5 years of age.
Cinnarizine		Usually prescribed 1 tablet three times a day.		Drowsiness, headache, thirst, sweating, increased fatigue.		The drug contains lactose.
Stugeron		Prescribed: 1 tablet (25 mg) three times a day.		Dyspepsia, headache, dry mouth.		For diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, it is recommended to take the drug immediately after meals.

Vitamin therapy is the second important component of successful paralysis treatment. Scientists have proven that a deficiency of certain vitamins and microelements in the body can disrupt the functioning of the nervous system. Thus, when choosing multivitamin preparations, attention should be paid to the presence of the following vitamins:

• retinol (vit. A) – helps in the formation of new cellular structures;
• B vitamins – normalize the functioning of nerve cells, improve blood circulation in the brain;
• ascorbic acid (vitamin C) – strengthens and restores vascular walls, including those in the brain;
• Vitamin D – maintains optimal blood picture;
• Vitamin K – improves metabolic processes and blood circulation;
• Tocopherol (vitamin E) – antioxidant, supports the immune system.

Physiotherapy treatment involves the use of thermal procedures and methods of stimulating peripheral nerves:

• paraffin and ozokerite applications;
• electrical stimulation (Myoton device).

Additionally, it is recommended to use massage and manual therapy, which will allow you to relax the muscles that are cramped as much as possible. During a massage session, it is important to avoid painful and rough techniques that can increase muscle tone.

Traditional treatment of hand paralysis includes many methods. The recipes presented below can be used both to alleviate the patient's condition and to prevent paralysis in general.

• Take 25 fresh pine cones, pour 1 liter of vodka over them and leave for 3 weeks. Filter the finished medicine and take 1 teaspoon three times a day half an hour before meals.
• Prepare an infusion of peony rhizomes: steam 1 teaspoon of raw material in 250 ml of boiling water. After an hour, filter the medicine and drink 1 tablespoon three times a day a few minutes before meals.
• Make a mixture of 20 g of lemon balm, 20 g of thyme, 10 g each of savory, mint, motherwort and mistletoe. Pour 250 ml of boiling water over 1 tbsp of raw material, leave for an hour, filter. Drink 100 ml twice a day between meals.
• Grind fresh dates into a puree. Use three times a day, a full tablespoon, with milk if desired. The course of therapy is 1 month.
• Steam the elderberries, grind them into a puree and make a compress on the affected limb. Repeat the procedure twice a day.

Herbal treatment involves the use of infusions or alcohol tinctures. Herbal teas can be prepared using various combinations of herbs, mixtures, often using arbitrary proportions. For arm paralysis, the following plants and their combinations are recommended:

• sage – has an anti-inflammatory effect, stimulates immunity, activates blood circulation;
• valerian – calms, improves the functioning of the nervous system, relaxes and eliminates spasms;
• thyme – eliminates neuralgia and neurosis, relieves inflammation and normalizes sleep;
• Motherwort – normalizes blood pressure, calms the nervous system, stabilizes cardiac activity.

Of particular benefit for arm paralysis can be homeopathy - this is a relatively new type of treatment that involves the use of drugs exclusively on a natural basis. Such homeopathic drugs are easily tolerated by patients, have a minimum number of side effects and are considered very effective.

	Method of administration and dosage		Side effects	Special instructions
Gelsemium	10 drops 3 times a day.		Relaxation of smooth muscles, involuntary urine and feces.	The active component of the drug is a toxic substance with a nerve-paralytic effect, so treatment should only be carried out under the supervision of a doctor.
Conium	Take 8 granules 5 times a day, under the tongue. Duration of treatment is 2 months.		Decreased blood pressure, dyspepsia.	Overdose may cause symptoms of poisoning.
Nervoheel	1 tablet under the tongue for 2 to 3 months.		Allergic manifestations.	The drug contains lactose.
Spigelon	1 tablet three times a day 30 minutes before meals.	Allergic manifestations.		Not for use in children under 3 years of age.

Surgical treatment is used if conservative measures are considered ineffective. Orthopedic surgery must have strict indications for its implementation:

• improving motor range of motion;
• ensuring patient self-care and improving quality of life.

In severe cases, neurosurgical operations are used.

Dikul's exercises for hand paralysis

Valentin Dikul's method has helped many people get rid of problems with their spine and joints. If you are persistent and do the exercises he suggests regularly, you can not only improve your health, but also avoid disability and return to your normal lifestyle.

The main rule that Valentin Dikul adheres to is the absence of inaction. Movement is life, and good health for many years.

What exercises does Dikul suggest for upper limb paralysis?

1. The patient lies on his back, legs slightly apart. Without changing the position of the legs, turns the body to the right and left.
2. The patient lies on his back, legs together. With the body motionless, he turns both legs to the right and left, as if twisting them.
3. The patient lies on his stomach and raises his head and shoulders.
4. In a standing position, rotates the pelvis to the left, right, forward and backward.
5. The patient lies on his back, bends his knees. Raises his head and upper body by 45°.

If it is difficult to perform exercises with arm paralysis, you can consult a doctor who will select exercises with a lighter load. The proposed training is recommended to be performed regularly, sometimes throughout life.

Prevention

Prevention of paralysis consists of preventing diseases and conditions that can cause deterioration of movements in the limb. To do this, you should adhere to a healthy lifestyle and follow a number of recommendations:

• maintain physical activity;
• give up bad habits, do not abuse alcohol and do not smoke;
• eat healthy food, avoid products of dubious quality;
• do not overuse salty foods;
• drink enough fluids;
• check your blood cholesterol and glucose levels periodically;
• Monitor your blood pressure regularly.

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