Paralysis

Definition
Paralysis is defined as complete loss of strength in an affected limb or muscle group.

Description
The chain of nerve cells that runs from the brain through the spinal cord out to the muscle is
called the motor pathway. Normal musclefunction requires intact connections all along this
motor pathway. Damage at any point reduces the brain's ability to control the muscle'smove
ments. This reduced efficiency causes weakness, also called paresis. Complete loss of com
munication prevents any willedmovement at all. This lack of control is called paralysis. Certa
in inherited abnormalities in muscle cause periodic
paralysis, in which theweakness comes and goes.
The line between weakness and paralysis is not absolute. A condition causing weakness m
ay progress to paralysis. On the other hand,strength may be restored to a paralyzed limb. N
erve regeneration or regrowth is one way in which strength can return to a paralyzedmuscle
. Paralysis almost always causes a change in muscle tone. Paralyzed muscle may be flacci
d, flabby, and without appreciabletone, or it may be spastic, tight, and with abnormally high t
one that increases when the muscle is moved.
Paralysis may affect an individual muscle, but it usually affects an entire body region. The di
stribution of weakness is an important clueto the location of the nerve damage that is causin
g the paralysis. Words describing the distribution of paralysis use the suffix "-plegia,"from th
e Greek word for "stroke." The types of paralysis are classified by region:

monoplegia, affecting only one limb

diplegia, affecting the same body region on both sides of the body (both arms, for ex
ample, or both sides of the face)

hemiplegia, affecting one side of the body

paraplegia, affecting both legs and the trunk

quadriplegia, affecting all four limbs and the trunk

Causes and symptoms

Causes
The nerve damage that causes paralysis may be in the brain or spinal cord (the central nerv
ous system) or it may be in the nervesoutside the spinal cord (the peripheral nervous syste
m). The most common causes of damage to the brain are:

stroke

tumor

trauma (caused by a fall or a blow)

Multiple sclerosis (a disease that destroys the protective sheath covering nerve cells)

cerebral
palsy (a condition caused by a defect or injury to the brain that occurs at or shortly after
birth)

metabolic disorder (a disorder that interferes with the body's ability to maintain itself)

Damage to the spinal cord is most often caused by trauma, such as a fall or a car crash. Ot
her conditions that may damage nerveswithin or immediately adjacent to the spine include:

tumor

herniated disk (also called a ruptured or slipped disk)

spondylosis (a disease that causes stiffness in the joints of the spine)

rheumatoid arthritis of the spine

neurodegenerative disease (a disease that damages nerve cells)

multiple sclerosis

Damage to peripheral nerves may be caused by:

trauma

compression or entrapment (such as carpal tunnel syndrome)

Guillain-Barr syndrome (a disease of the nerves that sometimes follows fever caus
ed by a viral infection or immunization)

chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) (a condition that

causes pain and swelling in the protective sheathcovering nerve cells)

radiation

inherited demyelinating disease (a condition that destroys the protective sheath arou
nd the nerve cell)

toxins or poisons

Symptoms
The distribution of paralysis offers important clues to the site of nerve damage. Hemiplegia i
s almost always caused by brain damage onthe side opposite the paralysis, often from a str
oke. Paraplegia occurs after injury to the lower spinal cord, and quadriplegia occurs afterda
mage to the upper spinal cord at the level of the shoulders or higher (the nerves controlling t
he arms leave the spine at that level).Diplegia usually indicates brain damage, most often fr
om cerebral palsy. Monoplegia may be caused by isolated damage to either thecentral or th
e peripheral nervous system. Weakness or paralysis that occurs only in the arms and legs
may indicate demyelinatingdisease. Fluctuating symptoms in different parts of the body may
be caused by multiple sclerosis.
Sudden paralysis is most often caused by injury or stroke. Spreading paralysis may indicate
degenerative disease, inflammatory diseasesuch as Guillain-Barr syndrome or CIDP, meta
bolic disorders, or inherited demyelinating disease.
Other symptoms often accompany paralysis from any cause. These symptoms may include
numbness and tingling, pain, changes invision, difficulties with speech, or problems with bal
ance. Spinal cord
injury often causes loss of function in the bladder, bowel, andsexual organs. High spinal cor
d injuries may cause difficulties in breathing.

Diagnosis
Careful attention should be paid to any events in the patient's history that might reveal the c
ause of the paralysis. The examiner shouldlook for incidents such as falls or other traumas,
exposure to toxins, recent infections or surgery, unexplained headache, preexistingmetaboli
c disease, and family history of weakness or other neurologic conditions. A neurologic exam
ination tests strength, reflexes, andsensation in the affected area and normal areas.

Imaging studies, including computed tomography scans (CT scans), magnetic

resonance
imaging (MRI) scans, or myelographymay reveal the site of the injury. Electromyography
and nerve conduction velocity tests are performed to test the function of themuscles and per
ipheral nerves.

Treatment
The only treatment for paralysis is to treat its underlying cause. The loss of function caused
by long-term paralysis can be treatedthrough a comprehensive rehabilitation program. Reh
abilitation includes:

Physical therapy. The physical therapist focuses on mobility. Physical therapy helps
develop strategies to compensate for paralysisby using those muscles that still have nor
mal function, helps maintain and build any strength and control that remain in the affecte
dmuscles, and helps maintain range of motion in the affected limbs to prevent muscles fr
om shortening (contracture) and becomingdeformed. If nerve regrowth is expected, physi
cal therapy is used to retrain affected limbs during recovery. A physical therapist alsosug
gests adaptive equipment such as braces, canes, or wheelchairs.

Occupational therapy. The occupational therapist focuses on daily activities such as

eating and bathing. Occupational therapydevelops special tools and techniques that per
mit self-care and suggests ways to modify the home and workplace so that a patientwith
an impairment may live a normal life.

Other specialties. The nature of the impairment may mean that the patient needs the
services of a respiratory therapist, vocationalrehabilitation counselor, social worker, spee
ch-language pathologist, nutritionist, special education teacher, recreation therapist, o
rclinical psychologist.

Prognosis
The likelihood of recovery from paralysis depends on what is causing it and how much dam
age has been done to the nervous system.

Prevention
Prevention of paralysis depends on prevention of the underlying causes. Risk of stroke can
be reduced by controlling high blood pressureand cholesterol levels. Seatbelts, air bags, an
d helmets reduce the risk of injury from motor vehicle accidents and falls. Good prenatalcar
e can help prevent premature birth, which is a common cause of cerebral palsy.

Resources
Books
Bradley, Walter G., et al., editors. Neurology in Clinical Practice. 2nd ed. Boston: Butterwort
h-Heinemann, 1996.

Key terms
Computed tomography (CT) An imaging technique in which crosssectional x rays of the body are compiled to create a three-dimensional image of the body's
internal structures.
Electromyography A test that uses electrodes to record the electrical activity of muscle.
The information gathered is used todiagnose neuromuscular disorders.
Magnetic resonance imaging
(MRI) An imaging technique that uses a large circular magnet and radio waves to genera
te signalsfrom atoms in the body. These signals are used to construct images of internal str
uctures.
Myelin The insulation covering nerve cells. Demyelinating disease causes a breakdown
of myelin.
Myelography An x-ray process that uses a dye or contrast medium injected into the spa
ce around the spine.
Nerve conduction velocity
test A test that measures the time it takes a nerve impulse to travel a specific distance o
ver the nerveafter electronic stimulation.
Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine. Copyright 2008 The Gale Group, Inc. All rights reserved.

paralysis
[pah-ral-sis] (pl. paralyses.)
Loss or impairment of motor function in a part due to a lesion of the neural or muscular mec
hanism; also, by analogy, impairment of sensoryfunction (sensory
paralysis). Paralysis is a symptom of a wide variety of physical and emotional disorders rat
her than a disease in itself.Called also palsy.
TYPES OF PARALYSIS. Paralysis results from damage to parts of the nervous system. The kin
d of paralysis resulting, and the degree,depend on whether the damage is to the central ner
vous system or the peripheral nervous system.
If the central nervous system is damaged, paralysis frequently affects the movement of a li
mb as a whole, not the individual muscles.The more common forms of central paralysis are
HEMIPLEGIA (in which one entire side of the body is affected, including the face, arm, andleg)

and PARAPLEGIA (in which both legs and sometimes the trunk are affected). In central
paralysis the tone of the muscles is increased,causing SPASTICITY.
If the peripheral nervous system is damaged, individual muscles or groups of muscles in a p
articular part of the body, rather than a wholelimb, are more likely to be affected. The muscl
es are flaccid, and there is often impairment of sensation.
CAUSES OF CENTRAL PARALYSIS. STROKE
SYNDROME is one of the most common causes of central paralysis. Although there is usually
somepermanent disability, much can be done to rehabilitate the patient. Paralysis produced
by damage to the spinal cord can be the result ofdirect injuries, tumors, and infectious disea
ses. Paralysis in children may be a result of failure of the brain to develop properly inintraute
rine life or of injuries to the brain, as in the case of CEREBRAL
PALSY. Congenital SYPHILIS may also leave a child partially paralyzed.Paralysis resulting fro
m HYSTERIA has no organic basis and is a result of emotional disturbance or mental illness.
CAUSES OF PERIPHERAL PARALYSIS. Until the recent development of immunizing vaccines, th
e most frequent cause of peripheral paralysis inchildren was POLIOMYELITIS. NEURITIS, inflam
mation of a nerve, can also produce paralysis. Causes can be physical, as with cold or injur
y;chemical, as in lead poisoning; or disease states, such as diabetes mellitus or infection. P
aralysis caused by neuritis frequentlydisappears when the disorder causing it is corrected.
paralysis of accommodation paralysis of the ciliary muscles of the eye so as to prevent a
ccommodation.
paralysis agitans Parkinson's disease.
ascending paralysis spinal paralysis that progresses upward.
birth paralysis that due to injury received at birth.
brachial paralysis paralysis of an upper limb from damage to the BRACHIAL PLEXUS.
bulbar paralysis that due to changes in motor centers of the medulla oblongata; the chroni
c form is marked by progressive paralysisand atrophy of the lips, tongue, pharynx, and laryn
x, and is due to degeneration of the nerve nuclei of the floor of the fourth ventricle.
central paralysis any paralysis due to a lesion of the brain or spinal cord.
cerebral paralysis paralysis caused by an intracranial lesion; see also CEREBRAL PALSY.
compression paralysis that caused by pressure on a nerve.
conjugate paralysis loss of ability to perform some parallel ocular movements.
crossed paralysis paralysis affecting one side of the face and the other side of the body.
crutch paralysis brachial paralysis caused by pressure from a crutch.
decubitus paralysis paralysis due to pressure on a nerve from lying for a long time in one
position.
divers' paralysis decompression sickness.
Duchenne's paralysis

1. Erb-Duchenne paralysis.
2. progressive bulbar paralysis.
Erb-Duchenne paralysis paralysis of the upper roots of the BRACHIAL
PLEXUS due to destruction of the fifth and sixth cervical roots, withoutinvolvement of the sma
ll muscles of the hand. Called also Erb's palsy.
facial paralysis weakening or paralysis of the facial nerve, as in BELL'S PALSY.
familial periodic paralysis a hereditary disease with recurring attacks of rapidly progressiv
e flaccid paralysis, associated with a fall in(hypokalemic type), a rise in (hyperkalemic type),
or normal (normokalemic type) serum potassium levels; all three types are inherited asautos
omal dominant traits.
flaccid paralysis paralysis with loss of muscle tone of the paralyzed part and absence of te
ndon REFLEXES.
immunologic paralysis former name for immunologic TOLERANCE.
infantile paralysis the major form of POLIOMYELITIS.
infantile cerebral ataxic paralysis a congenital condition due to defective development of t
he frontal regions of the brain, affecting allextremities.
ischemic paralysis local paralysis due to stoppage of circulation.
Klumpke's paralysis (Klumpke-Dejerine paralysis) atrophic paralysis of the lower arm an
d hand, due to lesion of the eighth cervicaland first dorsal thoracic nerves.
Landry's paralysis Guillain-Barr syndrome.
lead paralysis severe peripheral NEURITIS with WRISTDROP, due to LEAD POISONING.
mixed paralysis combined motor and sensory paralysis.
motor paralysis paralysis of the voluntary muscles.
musculospiral paralysis Saturday night paralysis.
obstetric paralysis birth paralysis.
periodic paralysis
1. any of various diseases characterized by episodic flaccid paralysis or muscular weakness
.
2. familial periodic paralysis.
progressive bulbar paralysis the chronic form of bulbar paralysis; called also Duchenne's
disease or paralysis.
pseudobulbar muscular paralysis pseudohypertrophic muscular dystrophy.
pseudohypertrophic muscular paralysis pseudohypertrophic muscular dystrophy.
radial paralysis Saturday night paralysis.
Saturday night paralysis paralysis of the extensor muscles of the wrist and fingers, so call
ed because of its frequent occurrence inalcoholics. It is most often due to prolonged compre
ssion of the radial (musculospiral) nerve, and, depending upon the site of nerveinjury, is so

metimes accompanied by weakness and extension of the elbow. Called also musculospira
l or radial paralysis.
sensory paralysis loss of sensation resulting from a morbid process.
sleep paralysis paralysis occurring at awakening or sleep onset; it represents extension of
the atonia of REM SLEEP into the waking stateand is often seen in those suffering from NARC
OLEPSY or sleep APNEA. Called also waking paralysis.
spastic paralysis paralysis with rigidity of the muscles and heightened deep muscle reflexe
s and tendon REFLEXES.
spastic spinal paralysis lateral sclerosis.
tick paralysis progressive ascending flaccid motor paralysis following the bite of certain tick
s, usually Dermacentor andersoni; firstseen in children and domestic animals in the norther
n Pacific region of North America, and now seen in other parts of the world.
Volkmann's paralysis ischemic paralysis.
waking paralysis sleep paralysis.
Miller-Keane Encyclopedia and Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing, and Allied Health, Seventh
Edition. 2003 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. All rights reserved.

paralysis
, pl.

paralyses
(p-ral'i-sis, -sz),
1. Loss of power of voluntary movement in a muscle through injury or disease of it or its ner
ve supply.
2. Loss of any function, as sensation, secretion, or mental ability.
[G. fr. para- + lysis, a loosening]
Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary Farlex 2012

paralysis
/paralysis/ (pah-ral-sis) pl. paralyses loss or impairment of motor function in a part d
ue to lesion of the neural ormuscular mechanism; also, by analogy, impairment of sensory f
unction (sensory p.) .

paralysis agitans Parkinson's disease.

ascending paralysis spinal paralysis that progresses cephalad.

bulbar paralysis progressive bulbar palsy.
compression paralysis that caused by pressure on a nerve.
conjugate paralysis loss of ability to perform some parallel ocular movements.
crossed paralysis , cruciate paralysis that affecting one side of the face and the other sid
e of the body.
decubitus paralysis that due to pressure on a nerve from lying for a long time in one positi
on.
divers' paralysis decompression sickness.
Duchenne's paralysis
1. Erb-Duchenne p.
2. progressive bulbar palsy.
Erb-Duchenne paralysis paralysis of the upper roots of the brachial plexus, caused by birt
h injury.
facial paralysis weakening or paralysis of the facial nerve, as in Bell's palsy.
familial periodic paralysis a rare inherited disorder with recurring attacks of rapidly progre
ssive flaccid paralysis associated with serumpotassium levels that are decreased (type I or
hypokalemic type), increased (type II or hyperkalemic type), or normal (type III ornormokale
mic type).
hyperkalemic periodic paralysis see familial periodic p.
hypokalemic periodic paralysis see familial periodic p.
immune paralysis , immunologic paralysis older name for immunologic tolerance.
juvenile paralysis agitans (of Hunt) increased muscle tonus with the characteristic attitud
e and facies of paralysis agitans, occurringin early life and due to progressive degeneration
of the globus pallidus.
Klumpke's paralysis , Klumpke-Dejerine paralysis lower brachial plexus paralysis cause
d by birth injury, particularly during a breechdelivery.
Landry's paralysis acute idiopathic polyneuritis.
mixed paralysis combined motor and sensory paralysis.
motor paralysis paralysis of voluntary muscles.

musculospiral paralysis paralysis of the extensor muscles of the wrist and fingers.
normokalemic periodic paralysis see familial periodic p.
periodic paralysis
1. any of various diseases characterized by episodic flaccid paralysis or muscular weakness
.
2. familial periodic p.
postepileptic paralysis Todd's p.
progressive bulbar paralysis see under palsy.
pseudobulbar paralysis spastic weakness of the muscles innervated by the cranial nerve
s, i.e., the facial muscles, pharynx, andtongue, due to bilateral lesions of the corticospinal tr
act, often accompanied by uncontrolled weeping or laughing.
pseudohypertrophic muscular paralysis see under dystrophy.
sensory paralysis loss of sensation due to a morbid process.
thyrotoxic periodic paralysis recurrent episodes of generalized or local paralysis accomp
anied by hypokalemia, occurring inassociation with Graves' disease, especially after exercis
e or a high carbohydrate or high sodium meal.
Todd's paralysis transient hemiplegia or monoplegia after an epileptic seizure.
vasomotor paralysis cessation of vasomotor control.
Dorland's Medical Dictionary for Health Consumers. 2007 by Saunders, an imprint of
Elsevier, Inc. All rights reserved.

paralysis
(p-rl-ss)
n. pl. paralyses (-sz)
1. Loss of power of voluntary movement in a muscle through injury or through disease of its
nerve supply.
2. Loss of sensation over a region of the body.
The American Heritage Medical Dictionary Copyright 2007, 2004 by Houghton Mifflin
Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

paralysis
[pralisis] pl. paralyses

Etymology: Gk, paralyein, to be palsied

the loss of muscle function, sensation, or both. It may be caused by a variety of problems, s
uch as trauma, disease, and poisoning.Paralyses may be classified according to the cause,
muscle tone, distribution, or body part affected. See also flaccid paralysis, spastic
paralysis. paralytic, adj.
Mosby's Medical Dictionary, 8th edition. 2009, Elsevier.

paralysis
Neurology The loss of voluntary movementmotor/ muscle function due to injury or disease
of the nervous system whichmay be partialpalsy or total, such as in botulism. See Ascendi
ng tick paralysis, Fetal paralysis, Flaccid paralysis, Laryngeal paralysis,Periodic
paralysis, Sleep paralysis, Spastic paralysis, Tick paralysis, Tourniquet
paralysis, Unilateral vocal cord paralysis, Vocal cord paralysis.
McGraw-Hill Concise Dictionary of Modern Medicine. 2002 by The McGraw-Hill
Companies, Inc.

paralysis
, pl. paralyses (pr-al'i-sis, -sz)
1. Loss of power of voluntary movement in a muscle through injury to or disease of its nerve
supply.
2. Loss of any function, such as sensation, secretion, or mental ability.
[G. fr. para- + lysis, a loosening]
Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing Farlex 2012

paralysis
loss of muscle function, due to damage at any level in the pathway for neural activation, or t
o muscle disease or relaxantdrugs. See also spinal injury.
Dictionary of Sport and Exercise Science and Medicine by Churchill Livingstone 2008
Elsevier Limited. All rights reserved.

paralysis
; palsy loss of voluntary movement due to muscle injury, neuromuscular pathology, loss of b
lood supply to subservingmotor nerve, or motor nerve dysfunction

Illustrated Dictionary of Podiatry and Foot Science by Jean Mooney 2009 Elsevier
Limited. All rights reserved.

paralysis
Loss of action of a muscle due to injury or disease of that muscle or its nerve supply. See p
alsy.
abducens paralysis See paralysis of the sixth nerve.
paralysis of accommodation See paralysis of accommodation.
paralysis of convergence A condition characterized by an inability of the eyes to converge
while all other monocular eye movementsare unaffected. The patient notices diplopia in nea
r vision, which usually occurs suddenly. It is presumably due to some lesion in thenuclei res
ponsible for convergence, as may happen in tabes dorsalis or Parkinson's disease.
divergence paralysis A condition characterized by an inability of the eyes to diverge while
all other monocular eye movements areunaffected. It is characterized by a sudden develop
ment of diplopia with marked esotropia at distance and sometimes headaches.The key diffe
rence with divergence insufficiency is the sudden onset of symptoms. Its association include
s encephalitis, multiplesclerosis, head trauma, cerebral haemorrhage, brain tumour and vas
cular lesions of the brainstem.
paralysis of the fourth nerve A condition characterized by a hypertropia of the eye with th
e affected superior oblique muscle. It maybe due to a lesion of the fourth cranial nerve or its
nucleus as a result of injury (the most common cause), vascular lesions, aneurysmor tumou
r. The patient usually presents with an abnormal head posture to avoid diplopia. If the condit
ion does not recover by itselffollowing therapy of the underlying cause, surgery is usually th
e only alternative treatment. Syn. trochlear paralysis. See abnormal head
posture; trochlear nerve; paralytic strabismus.
oculomotor paralysis See paralysis of the third nerve.
paralysis of the sixth nerve A condition characterized by an esotropia of the eye with the
affected lateral rectus muscle. It may bedue to a lesion of the sixth cranial nerve or its nucle
us as a result of a vascular disease (e.g. diabetes, hypertension), injury, ortumour. The patie
nt presents with an abnormal head turn to avoid diplopia. If the condition does not recover b
y itself following therapyof the underlying cause, surgery is usually the only alternative treat
ment. Syn. abducens paralysis; lateral rectus palsy.See abnormal head
posture; abducens nerve; paralytic strabismus; Gradenigo's syndrome; transposition.
paralysis of the third nerve A condition that leads to a wide impairment of motor function,
as this nerve innervates most of themuscles of the eye. It may be due to a vascular disease
(e.g. diabetes, hypertension), aneurysm (especially of the internal carotidartery), injury or tu
mour. In total paralysis only the lateral rectus and the superior oblique muscles will be spare

d and the eye will be ina position of abduction, slight depression and intorsion. Ptosis will al
so be present and the pupil will be dilated and non-reactive, andthere will also be paralysis
of accommodation. If the condition does not recover by itself following therapy of the underl
ying cause,surgery is usually the only alternative. Syn. oculomotor paralysis. See circle of
Willis; oculomotor
nerve; ophthalmoplegia;paralytic strabismus; Benedikt's syndrome; Weber's
syndrome; forced duction test; transposition.
trochlear paralysis See paralysis of the fourth nerve.
Millodot: Dictionary of Optometry and Visual Science, 7th edition. 2009 ButterworthHeinemann

paralysis
, pl. paralyses (pr-al'i-sis, -sz)
1. Loss of power of voluntary movement in a muscle through injury or disease of it or its ner
ve supply.
2. Loss of any function.
[G. fr. para- + lysis, a loosening]
Medical Dictionary for the Dental Professions Farlex 2012

paralysis (pralisis),
n 1. the cessation of cell function.
n 2. the loss or impairment of the motor control or function of a part or region.
paralysis, diplegia
n a loss of motor function in matching body parts (e.g., legs) on each side.
paralysis, facial,
n paralysis of the muscles of facial expression resulting from supranuclear, nuclear, or perip
heral nerve disease. With a mild case,when the face is at rest, the disorder is not readily ob
served. However, during muscular contraction (e.g., wrinkling the forehead,blinking the eyes
, pursing the lips, speaking), the disorder is very noticeable. Only one lid may close, and the
asymmetry of theoral cavity is pronounced because the normal buccinator muscle contracts
and is unopposed by the weakness on the paralyzedside. This imbalance produces a signifi
cant asymmetry. The affected side remains smooth, and the normal side showscontraction.
See also palsy, Bell's.
paralysis, infantile,
n See poliomyelitis.
paralysis, motor,

n a loss of the power of skeletal muscle contraction, resulting from interruption of some part
of the pathway from the cerebrum tothe muscle.
paralysis, transient,
n the sudden loss of sensation or ability to move on one side or a single part of the body, wh
ich lasts briefly and may or may notrecur and is often a symptom of cerebrovascular insuffici
ency or other underlying serious condition.
paralysis, transient facial,
n a temporary unilateral loss of facial muscle function as a result of inadvertently injecting th
e parotid gland containing the facialnerve during the inferior nerve block.
Mosby's Dental Dictionary, 2nd edition. 2008 Elsevier, Inc. All rights reserved.

paralysis
loss or impairment of motor function in a part due to a lesion of the neural or muscular mech
anism; also, by analogy, impairment ofsensory function (sensory paralysis). Called also pals
y. Motor paralysis may be expressed as flaccid, in the case of lower motorneuron lesion, or
spastic, in the case of an upper motor neuron lesion. See also paraplegia, quadriplegia, h
emiplegia andparalyses of individual cranial and peripheral nerves.

paralysis of accommodation
paralysis of the ciliary muscles of the eye so as to prevent accommodation.
anal paralysis
manifested by flaccidity and lack of tone of the anal sphincter, and loss of house training res
traint in companion animals.
antepartum paralysis
pressure on sciatic nerves by a large fetus in late pregnancy in a cow can cause posterior p
aralysis that is cured by a cesareansection.
ascending paralysis
spinal paralysis that progresses forwards involving first the hindlimbs then the forelimbs, the
n the intercostal muscles, then thediaphragm, and finally the muscles of the neck.
birth paralysis
that due to injury received by the neonate at birth.
bladder paralysis

manifested by fullness of the bladder and response to manual pressure. See also motor par
alytic urinary bladder.
cage paralysis
see thiamin nutritional deficiency.
central paralysis
any paralysis due to a lesion of the brain or spinal cord.
cerebral paralysis
paralysis caused by some intracranial lesion.
Chastek paralysis
see thiamin nutritional deficiency.
compression paralysis
that caused by pressure on a nerve.
congenital paralysis
paralysis of the newborn. Many cases are due to birth trauma especially when lay persons e
xert excessive traction. Other causesare enzootic ataxia, inherited congenital paraplegias in
calves and pigs, spina bifida and spinal dysraphism and occipito-alanto-axial malformations
in foals and puppies.
conjugate paralysis
loss of ability to perform some parallel ocular movements.
coonhound paralysis
see idiopathic polyradiculoneuritis.
crossed paralysis
paralysis affecting one side of the head and the other side of the body.
curled toe paralysis
a disease of poultry caused by a nutritional deficiency of riboflavin. See also curled toe
paralysis.
decubitus paralysis
paralysis due to pressure on a nerve from lying for a long time in one position.
esophageal paralysis

manifested by inability to swallow, and regurgitation.

facial paralysis
weakening or paralysis of the facial nerve. See also facial paralysis.
flaccid paralysis
paralysis characterized by loss of voluntary movement, decreased tone of limb muscles, ab
sence of tendon reflexes andneurogenic atrophy.
immunological paralysis
the absence of immune response to a specific antigen. See also tolerance.
infectious bulbar paralysis
see aujeszky's disease.
ischemic paralysis
local paralysis due to stoppage of circulation.
lambing paralysis
maternal obstetric paralysis in the ewe.
laryngeal paralysis
see laryngeal hemiplegia.
mixed paralysis
combined motor and sensory paralysis.
motor paralysis
paralysis of the voluntary muscles.
nerve paralysis
paralysis caused by damage to the local motor nerve supply. See also peripheral nerve par
alysis (below).
obstetric paralysis
see maternal obstetric paralysis.
partial paralysis
see paresis.
peripheral nerve paralysis

the part deprived of its peripheral nerve supply shows flaccid paralysis, absence of spinal re
flexes, muscle atrophy and asubnormal temperature.
postcalving paralysis
see maternal obstetric paralysis.
posterior paralysis
paralysis of the hindlimbs, tail and perineum. See also paraplegia.
range paralysis
see marek's disease.
sensory paralysis
loss of sensation resulting from a morbid process.
spastic paralysis
paralysis with rigidity of the muscles and heightened deep muscle reflexes.
tongue paralysis
see hypoglossal nerve paralysis.
Saunders Comprehensive Veterinary Dictionary, 3 ed. 2007 Elsevier, Inc. All rights
reserved

Patient discussion about paralysis

Q. What Is Bell's Palsy? A friend of mine has been told she has Bell's palsy. What happen
s in this disease?
A. Bell's palsy is defined as an idiopathic (from an unknown reason) unilateral facial nerve p
aralysis, usually self-limiting. The trademarkis rapid onset of partial or complete palsy, usuall
y in a single day.
Here you can learn more about what exactly is Bell's palsyhttp://www.5min.com/Video/What-is-Bells-Palsy-5500
Q. What are the causes of bell's palsy?
A. I had it 5 years ago at age 20. All the symptoms of the above are correct not to mention t
he tiredness and rapid blinking of the eyefrom the effected side.
In my case I have just found out that I have a non milignate tumor behind my left eye which
was likely to be the cause of the Bell Pausyin the first place. I encourage anyone who has s

ymptoms or pain spanning more than 8 weeks to see their doctor and if possible requestreq
uest or demand a MRI scan for peace of mind.
If pain persists get a second opinion and dont let the Dr. shrugg you off.
Q. I go to sleep & use to wake up paralyzed in my sleep. I go to sleep & use to wake up
paralyzed in my sleep. But not asleep, justlaying there, eyes wide open paralyzed. I couldn't
breath, I couldn't speak, move anything but my eyes. I could look around but I couldn'teven
breathe. This has happened a few times in my old house, once in my mother's house (she li
ved by the side of a graveyard), and thenonly once in my new house. What is it and what do
you think is causing it?
A. I had the same problem but never at night...and it only happened during the day when I t
ake nap. I will wake up and I can't move ortalk, I can't open my eyes either. I've never been
able to snap out of it though, I just have to lay there until I go back to sleep, andusually it do
esn't happen when I wake up the next time. Needless to say I try NOT to take naps anymor
e, because it happens nearlyevery time.
More discussions about paralysis
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