Paralysis

Paralysis, temporary or permanent loss of muscle power or control. It may consist of the inability to move a limb or part of a limb or individual muscles. Paralysis may be due to brain damage (e.g., from strokes or tumors), diseases of or damage to the spinal cord (poliomyelitis), nerve roots (slipped disk), peripheral nervous system (neuritis), or muscles (muscular dystrophy).

See also: Palsy.