palsies

Palsy is used to describe a weakness or paralysis of voluntary muscles due to nerve or brain dysfunction. The term is often used to describe conditions involving a particular nerve or region, such as facial palsy or limb palsy, and can be congenital or acquired.

Palsy can be categorized by location (central vs peripheral), by the affected body part (facial palsy, limb palsy), or by cause (traumatic, inflammatory, infectious, vascular, congenital). Facial palsy specifically refers to weakness of muscles supplied by the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII); central facial palsy results from brain injury such as stroke and often spares the forehead.

Common forms include Bell's palsy (idiopathic facial nerve palsy). Cerebral palsy is a group of neurodevelopmental disorders causing movement, posture, and tone issues due to early brain injury or malformation. Limb palsies may involve the radial, ulnar, or peroneal nerves and are often due to nerve compression or trauma.

Symptoms vary but may include weakness or paralysis of a face, arm, leg; facial droop; trouble closing an eye; speech or swallowing difficulties; sensory changes. Diagnosis relies on clinical examination and may be supplemented by imaging (MRI/CT), nerve-conduction studies, and laboratory tests to identify underlying causes.

Treatment targets the underlying cause and may include medications such as corticosteroids for Bell's palsy, antivirals for herpes zoster-related facial palsy, physical therapy, eye protection for facial palsy, and supportive care. Cerebral palsy management is multidisciplinary and includes physical therapy, occupational therapy, medications to reduce spasticity, and assistive devices. Prognosis varies; many recover from isolated peripheral palsies, whereas congenital or severe nerve injury may cause long-term disability.