Paralysis is a medical condition in which a person loses movement or muscle control in a specific part of the body. It may occur suddenly and is often caused by a disturbance in the brain, spinal cord, or nerves. In many cases, paralysis is accompanied by symptoms such as weakness, numbness, difficulty speaking, loss of balance, or coordination problems. Depending on the area affected, paralysis can appear as facial paralysis, hemiplegia (one side of the body), paraplegia (lower body), or quadriplegia (all four limbs). With early diagnosis and the right treatment, recovery and improved mobility are possible.