Paralysis is the inability or complete loss of muscle function in the body. Loss of muscle function in itself does not cause paralysis. It is more of a disruption in the communication process between the muscles and the brain that causes paralysis. So paralysis is actually some form of nerve damage. Depending upon the cause paralysis can affects a specific group of muscles or region of the body. Causes of paralysis and their symptoms Statistics show 1 in 50 people globally have been diagnosed with some or the other kind of paralysis. Paralysis is mainly caused by the following conditions