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WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON CAUSES OF PARALYSIS?

Strokes are the most common cause of paralysis, accounting for 29 per cent of all cases.

When blood supply to the brain is cut off, the organ is injured, which 'impedes its relationship with the spinal cord'.

Together the brain and vertebrae control movement. 

Spinal cord injuries make up 23 per cent of paralysis cases. 

These usually occur due to car accidents, falls, sports injuries and violence.

Other common causes of paralysis include:

  • Multiple sclerosis (17 per cent)
  • Cerebral palsy (seven per cent)
  • Post-polio syndrome (five per cent)
  • Traumatic brain injury (four per cent) 
  • Neurofibromatosis (four per cent) 
  • Birth defects (two per cent) 

Source: SpinalCord.com

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