Creeping Paralysis

The term creeping paralysis brings to mind a kind of paralysis that slow develops. There are a couple of types of paralysis that have been called creeping paralysis.

Multiple Sclerosis used to be called creeping paralysis. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease, a non-contagious chronic autoimmune disorder of the central nervous system which can present with a variety of neurological symptoms occurring in attacks or slowly progressing over time. It has no cure yet and the exact cause remains unknown. Due to its effects of the nervous system, it can lead to long-term impaired mobility and disability in the more severe cases.

Spinal Stenosis in the elderly has been called creeping Paralysis. Spinal Stenosis is a condition where compression of nerves can produce symptoms of pain, numbness and tingling in the legs. Most cases of spinal Stenosis occur in the low back (lumbar spine) and most often affect the sciatic nerve. Among the elderly this compression can become serious enough to cause some paralysis in the legs.

Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS) is a type of developing paralysis. This paralysis is often described as a creeping paralysis. Lou Gehrig's is a thickening of tissue in the motor tracts of the lateral columns and anterior horns of the spinal cord; results in progressive muscle atrophy that starts in the limbs.