Symptoms

PARALYSIS

Paralysis is various forms of loss of mobility of the upper or lower limbs that are present without loss of reflex activity and in which no organic cause can be found.

 

FUNCTIONAL WEAKNESS

Functional weakness is weakness of an arm or leg due to the nervous system not working properly.  People with functional weakness experience symptoms of limb weakness which can be disabling and frightening.

Other types of functional weakness are:

• Heaviness down one side of their body
• Dropping things
• Feeling that a limb/part of the body is disconnected from them, doesn’t feel normal or part of them

Functional weakness may also be called dissociative motor disorder.  It often looks as if there has been a stroke or symptoms of multiple sclerosis.   However, unlike these conditions, with functional weakness there is no permanent damage to the nervous system which means that it can get better or even go away completely.

Many people with functional weakness suffer from not being believed.  People with functional weakness are as disabled and distressed by their symptoms as patients with multiple sclerosis.

Treatment includes:

• Restoring nervous system function with gradual exercise and meditation
• Manage fatigue
• Manage pain
• Manage depression