flaccid paralysis flaccid paralysis flaccid paralysis is a neurological condition characterized by weakness or paralysis and reduced muscle tone without other obvious cause (e.g., trauma). this abnormal condition may be caused by disease or by trauma affecting the nerves associated with the involved muscles. for example, if the somatic nerves to a skeletal muscle are severed, then the muscle will exhibit flaccid paralysis. when muscles enter this state, they become limp and cannot contract. this condition can become fatal if it affects the respiratory muscles, posing the threat of suffocation. it also occurs in spinal shock stage in complete transection of spinal cord occurred in injuries like gunshots injuries. "flaccid" redirects here. for the states of the half-erect penis or clitoris tissues, see tumescence. flaccid paralysispronunciation/ˈflæksɪd pəˈræləsɪs/ specialtyneurology causes polio and other viruses