What is Monoplegia and How Could it Be Caused by a Personal Injury Accident in California?

There are many forms of paralysis that could be caused by a personal injury accident, but our Los Angeles monoplegia lawyer knows that one debilitating type of paralysis is also one of the least known.  Monoplegia, a paralysis that affects one particular limb, is often caused by stroke, cerebral palsy, or a trauma to the nervous system caused by an injury or medical malpractice. This trauma can disrupt the communication from the central nervous system to the muscle or group of muscles that can, in turn, cause paralysis of the limb. Monoplegia can be temporary but it can also be permanent, leading to long-term paralysis and dysfunction.

Depending on the mechanism of injury, monoplegia can come on suddenly or can be a gradual progression of symptoms that occur over time such as the following:

• a decrease of sensation in the affected area
• spasms and stiffness of muscles
• numbness or tingling in the affected limb
• a decrease in muscle tone
• curling of finger or toes, and
• Other symptoms.

Of course, monoplegia can frequently be caused by a serious motor vehicle accident or traumatic accident.  This includes a collision with a fast-moving vehicle, large commercial truck, or other type of vehicle.  This is because a powerful accident could cause injury to the nerves in an arm that result in serious injury.

An individual who has suffered monoplegia has some treatment options that are particularly limited to quality of life improvement.

Therapies including physical and occupational therapy help keep the affected limb moving and stretched to help stimulate muscles and nerves or enable a sufferer to be able to perform daily tasks. Medications may prove to reduce some symptoms and discomfort and devices may help with daily activities. There are also some surgical interventions that may be helpful depending on the cause of the paralysis. These can be extremely costly for an individual and his or her family.

If you have suffered an accident that has resulted in monoplegia, you should consult with an experienced Los Angeles monoplegia lawyer to understand your options and rights to compensation for your injuries. For more information and a FREE case review, contact us today at (888) 588-1777.  We are ready and willing to help.