Paralysis affects around 5.4 million Americans and can result from various medical conditions. So, depending on the underlying reason, paralysis may be temporary or permanent.

The cause and severity of paralysis determine whether or not it can be cured in old age. For example, temporary paralyzes such as sleep paralysis (temporary paralysis when falling asleep or waking up) or Bell’s palsy (manifested by sudden weakness on one side of a person’s face) usually go away over time on their own.

However, it is not always possible to cure paralysis in old age. Permanent paralysis is irreversible and cannot be cured, regardless of a person’s age.