Editing Paralysis (section)

==Variations==
Paralysis can occur in localized or generalized forms, or it may follow a certain pattern. Most paralyses caused by nervous-system damage (e.g., [[spinal cord injuries]]) are constant in nature; however, some forms of [[periodic paralysis]], including [[sleep paralysis]], are caused by other factors.<ref name="auto">{{Cite journal |last=Hutchinson |first=Jonathan |date=1877 |title=Clinical Lecture On Cases Of Spina Bifida, With Paralysis Of Sphincters |journal=The British Medical Journal |volume=1 |issue=830 |pages=767–768 |doi=10.1136/bmj.1.860.767 |jstor=25244879 |pmc=2220916 |pmid=20748563}}</ref>
<ref name="auto1">{{Cite book |last=Saladin |first=Kenneth |title=Anatomy and Physiology: Form and Function |date=2012 |publisher=McGraw Hill |isbn=978-0-07-337825-1}}</ref>

Paralysis can occur in newborns due to a [[Birth defect|congenital]] defect known as [[spina bifida]]. Spina bifida causes one or more of the vertebrae to fail to form vertebral arches within the infant, which allows the spinal cord to protrude from the rest of the spine. In extreme cases, this can cause spinal cord function inferior to the missing vertebral arches to cease.<ref name="auto1" /> This cessation of spinal cord function can result in paralysis of lower extremities. Documented cases of paralysis of the anal sphincter in newborns have been observed when spina bifida has gone untreated.<ref name="auto" /> While life-threatening, many cases of spina bifida can be corrected surgically if operated on within 72 hours of birth.

'''Ascending paralysis''' presents in the lower limbs before the upper limbs. It can be associated with:
* [[Guillain–Barré syndrome]] (another name for this condition is ''Landry's ascending paralysis'')
* [[Tick paralysis]]<ref>{{MedlinePlusEncyclopedia|001359|Tick paralysis}}</ref>

Ascending paralysis contrasts with '''descending paralysis''', which occurs in conditions such as [[botulism]].