Prompt Treatment for Paralysis in Southern California

A disruption between sensory nerves and the central nervous system can cause paralysis. Paralysis or loss of muscle movement may come on gradually. Sometimes, paralysis is sudden.

Sudden paralysis is a medical emergency and often a side effect of a serious medical condition, such as stroke or infection. Always call 911 for sudden cases of paralysis. For paralysis that is not life threatening, you can wait at home until you are ready to be seen by an emergency doctor. Simply use our online waiting tool InQuicker and select your estimated arrival time for one of our convenient locations in Camarillo, Glendale, Long Beach, Northridge, Downtown LA, Oxnard, and in Inland Empire cities San Bernardino, Fontana, and Highland.

Sudden paralysis is often reversible, but timely treatment is necessary. Our emergency department is equipped with the right tools, including emergency imaging, to come to the right diagnosis quickly. Emergency doctors at Dignity Health are trained to find the cause of paralysis in Southern California.

What Causes Sudden Paralysis?

Head injury, infections, and poison in the body can suddenly and temporarily prevent muscle movement. Paralysis can happen to the face, a hand, or multiple limbs at once. Sometimes the cause of paralysis is obvious, such as in the cause of trauma.

Other causes of sudden paralysis include:

  • Stroke and TIAs (transient ischemic attack)
  • Spinal cord injury
  • Infections, such as West Nile and tetanus
  • Guillain-Barre syndrome
  • Electrolyte or chemical imbalance
  • Bleeding of the brain

Expert Care for Sudden Paralysis at Dignity Health Southern California

We perform extensive diagnostic testing to learn the origin of your paralysis. This can include  neurological assessments, blood tests, or imaging exams. We may also give you an electrophysiology test, which measures nerve and muscle function. All of these tests help your doctor diagnose the cause of your paralysis and provide the right care.

You can help your doctor rule out other conditions by reporting recent illness, any exposure to chemicals, or animal bites. Also, certain symptoms that accompany paralysis can indicate a specific disease. 

If the symptoms below occur along with sudden paralysis, call 911 or let your doctor know:

  • Drooping face
  • Headache
  • Vision problems
  • Fever
  • Brief or prolonged unconsciousness
  • Memory loss or confusion
  • Numbness
  • Problems balance, walking, speaking, or comprehension

If test results reveal a neurological condition, we offer expert neurology care to help you manage your diagnosis. Trust Dignity Health Southern California to work diligently to heal your paralysis and restore normal muscle function as quickly as possible.

Dignity Health’s emergency services treat acute cases of paralysis in Southern California.