There are four main forms of paralysis.

Monoplegia affects one area of the body and most commonly is the result of cerebral palsy (although it can be caused by other ailments and injuries).

Hemiplegia patients often report experiencing spins-and-needles sensations early on before it progresses to muscle weakness and full paralysis in one arm and leg on the same side of the body.

Paraplegia affects the body below the waist, including both legs. While this level of injury interferes with walking abilities, it also impacts the sexual and excretory abilities of the person as well.

Tetraplegia, or what also is known as quadriplegia, is the most debilitating form of paralysis. Typically, if an injury is high in the spinal cord, it entails the complete loss of movement in the torso, hands, legs, and feet, and also means the patient may require artificial respiration and assistance with various other functions, including using a toilet, walking or standing.

In the case of spinal cord injuries, paraplegia and tetraplegia are the two most common forms of paralysis.