Paresis
Paresis is a medical condition characterized by weakened voluntary movement or a partial loss of voluntary movement and impaired motion in certain areas of the body. The term has its origins from the Ancient Greek: πάρεσις, meaning "letting go" from παρίημι, which translates to "to let go, to let fall".
Classification of Paresis Based on Affected Area[edit | edit source]
Paresis can manifest in various parts of the body, and different types are classified based on the area affected:
Limbs[edit | edit source]
- Monoparesis – Involves one leg or one arm.
- Paraparesis – Affects both legs.
- Hemiparesis – Affects one arm and one leg on the same side of the body.
- Triparesis – Involves three limbs, which can be a combination of either both legs and one arm, both arms and one leg, or one arm, one leg, and the face.
- Double hemiparesis – All four limbs are involved, but one side of the body exhibits more pronounced symptoms than the other.
- Tetraparesis – Affects all four limbs.
- Quadriparesis – Impacts all four limbs with equal severity.
Multiple sclerosis and cerebral palsy are medical conditions where the aforementioned terms are frequently applied to describe motion impairments.
Other Forms of Paresis[edit | edit source]
- Gastroparesis – A delay in stomach emptying.
- Ophthalmoparesis – Paresis that affects eye muscles, a variant of ophthalmoplegia.
- Spastic paresis – Marked by exaggerated tendon reflexes and muscle hypertonia.
- Vocal cord paresis – Impaired movement of the vocal cords.
Historical Context[edit | edit source]
Historically, the term "paresis" was prominently associated with "general paresis", a manifestation of untreated syphilis. Due to advancements in the treatment of syphilis, this association has diminished considerably.
See Also[edit | edit source]
External links[edit | edit source]
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD