What is paralysis?

Answer 1

Paralysis is a general term that encompasses numeral medical conditions with inability to control muscle function (one or more muscles). In many cases the term is used for a flaccid paralysis of a limb or limbs. However, paralysis can be spastic (the paralyzed muscles are in the state of contraction and/or experience regular or irregular spasms). Nevertheless, all types of paralysis indicated loss of voluntary control over muscle(s). A medical condition with INCOMPLETE loss of control (diminished ability to control muscles remains) is called PARESIS. Examples of paralysis and paresis include:

1. Quadriplegia and Quadriparesis (loss of control of the muscles in all four limbs). In most cases, it is caused by a trauma or severe disease affecting the spinal cord on the cervical (neck) level or above;

2. Hemiplegia and Hemiparesis (loss of control of the muscles on one side of the body, e.g. left arm and left leg OR right arm and right leg). In most cases, it is caused by a stroke (bleeding or blockage in the brain) in the left or right hemisphere, where the opposite side of the body is affected.

3. Paraplegia and Paraparesis (loss of control of the muscles in both legs). In most cases, it is caused by a trauma or severe disease of the spinal cord in the thoracic (upper back) or lumbar (lower back) areas.

4. Facial paralysis and paresis (loss of control of the facial muscles). In most cases, it is caused by the damage to the facial nerve (one of the cranial nerves) or central nervous system due to trauma or disease. Most commonly, this condition affects only one side of the face, e.g. Bell's Palsy.

There are many other types of pareses and paralyses, most well known of which is Cerebral palsy. This is just a general overview of the meaning of this medical term.