AskDocDoc
/
/
/
diagnosis of paralysis
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7, 100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime. No sign-up needed.
General Health
Question #14359
4 days ago
23

diagnosis of paralysis - #14359

Shlok

I am really worried about my dad. He was perfectly fine a few weeks ago, then out of nowhere he started experiencing weakness in his legs. At first, we thought it’s just tiredness but then he couldn’t even stand without help! We went to the ER and they ran a bunch of tests. They mentioned something about a possible diagnosis of paralysis but didn’t say much else. He's been in physical therapy since then, but I feel like we're in the dark about this whole diagnosis of paralysis thing. Like, how serious is this? Can paralysis be reversed? I've been searching online but every site says something different. I don’t know if this is hereditary or if it can happen to anyone suddenly, you know? His doctor said it'd take time to determine the full diagnosis of paralysis, but it just feels really frustrating. Has anyone else dealt with a diagnosis of paralysis for a family member? What was the process like? I’m scared about what it might mean for his mobility, and when will we know more about his condition? Any insight would really help!

FREE
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential.
No sign-up needed.
CTA image asteriksCTA image

Doctors’ responses

It’s understandable that the sudden onset of your dad’s leg weakness and the potential for paralysis is concerning. Paralysis can stem from various causes, and it’s important to understand both the possible origins and the diagnosis process. The fact that the ER conducted tests is a crucial first step in ruling out serious conditions like stroke, Guillain-Barré syndrome, or spinal cord injury, among other possibilities. Paralysis itself is a symptom, and its treatment and reversibility depend significantly on the underlying cause. For instance, Guillain-Barré syndrome, an autoimmune disorder, can cause sudden muscle weakness but often results in full or partial recovery with proper treatment like immunotherapy and physical rehab. Conversely, damage from a severe stroke or spinal injury may not be as reversible. Since his doctors mention it’s early in the diagnostic process, they might be considering neuroimaging, blood tests, and perhaps neurological evaluations to pin down the exact cause. Patience is key here, as diagnosing and understanding the full scope of neurological issues can take time. If hereditary concerns are there, discussing your family health history with dad’s doctors will be important. Meanwhile, physical therapy remains a cornerstone of support while further diagnostic procedures proceed. It’s crucial for maintaining muscle strength and preventing complications like contractures. Keep open communication with your dad’s healthcare team to clarify the diagnosis trajectory and potential outcomes; they’ll provide the most tailored and accurate information based on his specific case. If anything seems confusing or overlooked, don’t hesitate to ask for more detailed explanations or second opinions, especially from a neurologist if you haven’t already. Being proactive yet understanding of the gradual nature of neurological diagnostics will be beneficial.

4556 answered questions
65% best answers

0 replies
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymously

Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.

About our doctors

Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.


Related questions