The complete loss of muscle function. Major causes are
stroke, trauma, poliomyelitis,
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), botulism
? and
Guillain-Barre syndrome. It may be localized (in a disorder called [Bell's palsy]
? only the nerve responsible from the movements of the facial muscles is affected) or generalized (stroke patients may present with the paralysis of one or both sides of the body).