Paresis means a decrease in muscle strength. The paresis can affect any muscle group, but the most common diagnosis is lower limb paresis. The paresis can be present on both sides of the body or it can be half (left or right). What are the causes of paresis? What diseases can manifest as paresis?

What is a paresis?

Paresisis a decrease in muscle strength (most often in the legs or arm), which limits the range of motion. Paresis can be the result of damage to the nervous system, specifically the motor centers in the brain, or changes in the muscles. It is distinguished by:

  • spastic paresis- is the result of damage to the central nervous system. Its symptoms include increased muscle tension, abolition of surface reflexes, i.e. those triggered by irritation of the skin or mucosa (e.g. abolition of Babinski's reflex, consisting in bending the toe upwards and bending the remaining toes while irritating the skin of the sole), and intensification of deep reflexes, manifesting contraction of a muscle whose tendon was stretched with a stroke of a neurological hammer (e.g. flexion of a limb in the knee joint after hitting it with a hammer)
  • flaccid paresis- is the result of damage to the peripheral nervous system. It is manifested by atrophy of muscles, decreased muscle tone, abolition of reflexes in the affected limb

The paresis may affect both or only one side of the body. In the latter case, it ishemiparesis(hemiparesis), which can beright-handorleft-hand.

Paresis - causes. Brain diseases

Paresis can be caused by numerous diseases of the brain, such as a stroke. Its symptoms may be left side paresis (if it affects the right hemisphere of the brain) or right side paresis (if it touches the left hemisphere of the brain). Then there are, among others impaired speech understanding or the inability to utter words, visual impairment, especially in one eye, unsteady gait.

Other brain diseases that can lead to paresis include: brain abscess, increased intracranial pressure or transient ischemic attack, i.e. a short-term (up to 24 hours) and transient appearance of symptoms of brain damage onas a result of cerebral circulation disorders. Paresis can also be the result of mental disorders.

Paresis - causes. Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease can manifest as hemiparesis. There are problems with walking, problems with maintaining balance (the so-called parkinsonian gait), problems with speaking and swallowing.

Paresis - causes. Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is usually the cause of spastic paresis, most often affecting the lower limbs, much less often the upper limbs. The paraparesis of the lower limbs dominates in the form of spinal multiple sclerosis. Central paresis of the facial nerve may also appear, manifested by a dropped corner of the mouth.

Paresis - causes. Migraine

Migraine is manifested by a headache, sometimes with a so-called aura, i.e. symptoms that occur immediately before the attack of pain, such as e.g. visual disturbances or flashes of light. However, sometimes the symptoms of migraine can be much more severe. There may be, for example, numbness of one arm and leg on the same side, speech disorders, limb paresis, which may even resemble a stroke.

Paresis - causes. Alcoholic polyneuropathy

Alcoholic polyneuropathy means alcohol damage to the peripheral nerves, ie nerves that transmit information between the brain and organs. One of its symptoms is paresis, especially in the area of ​​the hands and forearms, as well as the feet and lower legs. In the course of polyneuropathy, sensory disturbances and autonomic disorders (excessive sweating, cold and blue skin, group blisters) may also appear.

The basis for the treatment of paresis is rehabilitation, which is tailored individually to the patient's needs. Occasionally, you may need the help of a neurosurgeon or orthopedist.

Paresis - causes. Guillain-Barry Syndrome

Guillain-Barré syndrome is an autoimmune disease that causes muscle weakness (first in the lower limbs, then upper limbs and torso) and paraesthesia, which is numbness or tingling in various parts of the body. The patient may also complain of muscle aches, problems with speaking, chewing and swallowing.

Paresis - causes. Sudecka Team

Sudeck's syndrome is a disease whose essence is the progressive atrophy of muscles and bones and stiffness of the joints. Usually it is the result of injuries to the musculoskeletal system, e.g. bone fractures. The symptoms of the disease are pain and swelling in the muscles, sensory disturbances, local sweating and tenderness.

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