parálusis

Parálusis, in medical usage, refers to paralysis or the loss of voluntary muscle movement in part or all of the body due to impairment of the nervous system. It results from disruption of signals between the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and muscles, and can be acute or progressive in nature. The condition can affect a single limb or the entire body, and its reversibility depends on the underlying cause and the timeliness of treatment.

Etymology and usage: parálusis is derived from the Greek term parálysis (παράλυσις), meaning a loosening or impairment of movement. In many languages the corresponding medical term is paralísis or paralysis; the accent and spelling vary by linguistic tradition, but the concept remains the same.

Classification and presentation: parálusis is commonly categorized by location and mechanism as central (originating in the brain or spinal cord) or peripheral (originating in peripheral nerves or the neuromuscular junction). It can be focal (affecting a region such as one limb), hemiplegic (one side of the body), paraplegic (both legs), or tetraplegic (all four limbs). Onset may be sudden, as after a stroke or trauma, or gradual, as in neurodegenerative diseases. Distinctions are also made between flaccid and spastic paralysis, reflecting muscle tone changes.

Causes and diagnosis: leading causes include stroke, spinal cord injury, traumatic nerve damage, poliomyelitis, Guillain‑Barré syndrome, multiple sclerosis, brain tumors, infections, and congenital conditions such as cerebral palsy. Diagnosis relies on clinical examination complemented by imaging (MRI or CT), electrophysiological studies (EMG and nerve conduction), and laboratory tests to identify underlying etiologies.

Treatment and prognosis: management targets the underlying cause and may involve emergency stabilization, rehabilitation (physical and occupational therapy), pharmacologic therapies for spasticity or pain, and assistive devices. Prognosis varies widely and depends on etiology, extent of nervous system injury, and access to comprehensive rehabilitation.