A patient in the hospital is undergoing testing. The patient's brain is sending electrical signals to motor neurons, but the muscles are not moving in response. What could be a likely cause for this? Explain your answer using complete sentences.

The motor neurons could be severed which would inhibit the passing of electrical signals to the muscles. This is known as paralysis. It can be caused by severe spinal trauma, electric shock, or other forms of extreme physical or psychological stress.