Feel like you can’t move your body during a panic attack? Or do you find it hard to talk? Panic attacks can cause intense fear, sweating, chills, difficulty breathing, and trembling, but can a panic attack cause paralysis? As scary as it is, there is no need to worry or rush to the doctor.
This is only your body’s natural response. You can manage your symptoms by learning about what causes paralysis during a panic attack and different treatment options.
Panic Attack and Paralysis
A panic attack is marked by feelings of extreme fear and anxiety along with a range of physical symptoms. While these symptoms can be distressing and overwhelming, a panic attack does not result in physical paralysis.
However, a panic attack, if severe enough, can mimic the sensation of being paralyzed. People may feel like they can not move their arms and legs or talk because of the panic. Keep in mind these symptoms are more psychological than physical and will disappear once the panic attack subsides.
How Does a Panic Attack Cause Paralysis?
A panic attack triggers the brain’s flight or fight response to immediate danger. In primitive times, this fight-or-flight response helped humans survive in the wild.
And while there may not be any tigers lurking in the shadows anymore, your body can still perceive everyday situations like public speaking or walking alone at night as potentially dangerous.
When this happens, your brain’s fire alarm, the amygdala, goes off and activates the hypothalamus. This part of the brain, then, releases different stress hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol, as a response.
Typically, your brain tries to put the body in overdrive, by increasing your heart rate and blood flow, to escape the situation at hand. However, in some instances, when the body deems the stress too great, it can respond by shutting down.
During this time, you may feel like you can not move your body, despite being physically fine.
Symptoms of Paralysis During a Panic Attack
Paralysis during a panic attack can manifest differently in individuals, but there are several typical symptoms which have been listed below:
- Inability to move arms
- Inability to process information
- Loss of feeling in limbs
- Unable to form words
Emotional Paralysis
A much more common symptom of anxiety is Emotional Paralysis. Individuals dealing with anxiety may find themselves either consciously or subconsciously avoiding situations that trigger stress in their lives.
While this avoidance might keep the panic attacks at bay temporarily, such a way of living can limit your life. You may find yourself stuck in one place in life. For example, people with a fear of social situations might find themselves going out less.
Emotional paralysis can also manifest as an inability to react to good or bad news.
What is ADHD Paralysis?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can also cause a certain type of paralysis known as ADHD paralysis. This is different from physical paralysis as it refers to a state of executive dysfunction.
Simply put, it refers to an individual’s inability to initiate or complete tasks, owing to crushing feelings of stress and anxiety. You may also have trouble making decisions. Symptoms of ADHD paralysis include procrastination, disorganization, indecision, and avoidance.
These can last from a few hours to a few days.
How to Treat Paralysis During a Panic Attack?
Experiencing paralysis during a panic attack can be worrying. But rest assured that your symptoms will disappear, once the panic attack settles down. You can try different grounding techniques to regain control of your body.
The 5-4-3-2-1 technique has proven to be very effective in combat against panic attacks. To practice this technique, look around and list 5 things you can see, 4 things you can feel, 3 things you can hear, 2 things you can smell, and 1 thing you can taste.
The basic idea is to engage all five of your senses and reset your mind. For long-term treatment options, you can consider going to a doctor. Several medications have been known to help alleviate the symptoms of panic attacks including benzodiazepines and antidepressants.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can help you identify your triggers and break the behavioral patterns that lead to a panic attack. You can also look into different mindfulness practices.
When to Go to a Doctor?
A paralysis attack can also be brought on by a stroke or sudden damage to the brain and spinal cord. You should go to a doctor if you notice symptoms of paralysis not accompanied with a panic attack. Common symptoms of paralysis include:
- Muscle spasm
- Inability to move some or all parts of your body
- Feeling of numbness or tingling
- Slurring of speech
- Feeling of weakness
Conclusion
Summing it up, paralysis is one of the many symptoms of a panic attack. Individuals may find themselves unable to move their limbs or talk during a panic attack. However, there’s nothing to worry about. The symptoms are only temporary and only last for the duration of the panic attack.
While it may seem daunting, remember there are plenty of treatment options that can help you live a better life. You can explore different grounding techniques to calm yourself down in the moment. Seeking professional help can also provide you with additional help in managing your symptoms.
FAQs
Can a panic attack turn into a stroke?
A panic attack can not turn into a stroke, though it can increase your chances of having a stroke. However, if you experience severe symptoms like a terrible headache, weakness on one side of the body or both, and slurred speech, seek immediate medical help.
Do panic attacks damage your body?
Panic attacks can be terrifying experiences, often accompanied by symptoms that can mimic serious health issues like heart problems or brain issues. However, panic attacks are physically harmless and can not damage your body.
Can an anxiety attack make you feel paralyzed?
An anxiety attack can cause a range of symptoms including temporary paralysis. You may struggle to speak, or move. You can also lose your cognitive abilities. However, these symptoms resolve once the attack subsides.
