Just like a computer needs a Central Processing Unit (CPU) to function, our body needs a Central Nervous System (CNS), i.e., the brain and spinal cord for proper functioning. The body’s nervous system controls our movements, thoughts, breathing, digestion, etc., by sending electric signals through muscles. However, if the nervous system gets damaged, electrical signals cannot pass through. Without these signals, parts of the body fail to carry out their duty, sending it into paralysis. This article explains what is paralysis and how a health insurance policy can help you manage its costs.

Permanent paralysis occurs when an injury or disease of the CNS causes irreversible limb mobility loss. It is generally caused due to severe spinal cord injuries and brain damage. An individual with permanent paralysis typically cannot regain mobility even with treatment or therapy.

Types of Paralysis and the Limbs it Affects

• Monoplegia: Affects any one limb.
• Diplegia: Affects both arms or both legs.
• Hemiplegia: Affects the arm and leg on one side of the body.
• Quadriplegia: Paralyses all four limbs.
• Paraplegia: Affects both legs.

Injury to the spinal cord and brain can cause paralysis. Brain strokes from ruptured or blocked blood vessels can damage the brain. Car or bike accidents and sports injuries can injure the spine. Conditions like multiple sclerosis, motor neuron diseases (MNDs), complications during childbirth and neurological surgeries can damage the nerves and cause paralysis.

Permanent paralysis is non–curable since it is impossible to replace the spinal cord. However, a person with permanent limb paralysis can learn to move without limbs through rehabilitation. Wheelchairs, crutches, scooters and walkers are assistive devices that help patients with mobility. People suffering from quadriplegia can use wheelchairs integrated with voice–activated technology, i.e., they can command the wheelchair to move with their voice.

Although permanent limb paralysis is incurable, patients can undergo therapy to recover some movement. Therefore, paralytic patients require continuous extensive care and medication. A critical illness health insurance policy can help you cover paralysis therapy and medication costs. These plans typically have higher sums insured, e.g., Rs 50 lakh, Rs 1 Crore, etc.

In a critical illness plan, your insurer disburses the entire sum insured amount after you ride out the policy’s waiting period. You can use the money to pay for medical tests, hospital bills, medication and other similar expenses. You can also finance assistive equipment with insurance.

Critical illness insurance allows you to manage non–medical expenses too. For instance, quadriplegic patients may not easily find employment and an income source. The sum insured serves as income and reduces the financial burden of such patients.

Life is unpredictable, and a health crisis can crop up suddenly. Hence, you must take the necessary preventive measures to prepare for such events. One such action includes buying a health insurance policy to prevent the rising medical costs from putting a massive dent in your savings. Get your health insurance plan today.