| [[Latin]], from [[Greek]], from paralyein to loosen, disable, from para- + lyein to loosen | | [[Latin]], from [[Greek]], from paralyein to loosen, disable, from para- + lyein to loosen |
| '''Paralysis''' is the complete loss of [[muscle]] [[function]] for one or more muscles. Paralysis can be accompanied by a loss of [[feeling]] (sensory loss) in the affected area if there is sensory damage as well as motor. | | '''Paralysis''' is the complete loss of [[muscle]] [[function]] for one or more muscles. Paralysis can be accompanied by a loss of [[feeling]] (sensory loss) in the affected area if there is sensory damage as well as motor. |
− | Paralysis is most often caused by damage in the [[nervous system]], especially the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spinal_cord spinal cord]. Other major [[causes]] are [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stroke stroke], trauma with nerve injury, poliomyelitis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), botulism, spina bifida, multiple sclerosis, and Guillain-Barré syndrome. Temporary paralysis occurs during [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/REM_sleep REM sleep], and dysregulation of this [[system]] can lead to [[episodes]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sleep_paralysis waking paralysis]. [[Drugs]] that [[interfere]] with nerve function, such as curare, can also cause paralysis. There are many known causes for paralysis, and perhaps more yet to be [[discovered]]. | + | Paralysis is most often caused by damage in the [[nervous system]], especially the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spinal_cord spinal cord]. Other major [[causes]] are [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stroke stroke], trauma with nerve injury, poliomyelitis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), botulism, spina bifida, multiple sclerosis, and Guillain-Barré syndrome. Temporary paralysis occurs during [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/REM_sleep REM sleep], and dysregulation of this [[system]] can lead to [[episodes]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sleep_paralysis waking paralysis]. [[Drugs]] that [[interfere]] with nerve function, such as curare, can also cause paralysis. There are many known causes for paralysis, and perhaps more yet to be [[discovered]]. |
− | Pseudoparalysis (pseudo- [[meaning]] false, not genuine) is voluntary restriction or inhibition of [[motion]] because of [[pain]], incoordination, or other cause, and is not due to actual muscular paralysis. In an infant, it may be a symptom of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Congenital_syphilis congenital syphilis]. | + | Pseudoparalysis (pseudo- [[meaning]] false, not genuine) is voluntary restriction or inhibition of [[motion]] because of [[pain]], incoordination, or other cause, and is not due to actual muscular paralysis. In an infant, it may be a symptom of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Congenital_syphilis congenital syphilis]. |