Paresis causes partial loss of movement in a specific area of the body, with infections, injuries, and pre-existing health conditions being primary causes. Different types of paresis affect limbs, gastric system, eyes, and vocal cords, with some forms being temporary and others permanent. Treatment options vary depending on the underlying cause.
Paresis is a condition that causes a partial loss of movement in a particular area of the body. The term general paresis refers to psychological impairment due to damage to the brain caused by an untreated infection or other health condition. Infections, injuries, and untreated pre-existing health conditions are all primary causes of paresis.
Patients suffering from paresis retain some motor function, although they experience variable levels of muscle weakness and fatigue. The limbs are commonly affected, as are the gastric system, eyes, and vocal cords. Some forms of this condition are temporary and some are permanent.
This condition often affects one or more limbs. Monoparesis refers to impaired movement in one arm or leg, paraparesis occurs in both legs, hemiparesis affects the arm and leg on one side of the body, and tetraparesis affects all four extremities. Limb paresis is often caused by a disease, such as multiple sclerosis, that causes damage to the tissues around the spinal cord, resulting in muscle deterioration and weakness. Injuries to the spine and spinal cord can also lead to impaired movement of the limbs. Some patients with limb paresis regain more function through physical therapy and exercise programs to strengthen muscles and increase range of motion.
Gastroparesis is often temporary, as a complication of an acute illness. Temporary gastroparesis can also result from certain cancer treatments or eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa and bulimia. The chronic form of the condition results from complications of many different diseases, including Parkinson’s disease, diabetes and fibromyalgia. Dietary changes, prescription oral medications, and gastric neurostimulator implants that help move food through the stomach can ease symptoms of the condition.
Ophthalmoparesis is caused by disorders and injuries affecting the nerves and muscles in and around the eyes. Graves’ disease can lead to a mechanical restriction of eye movement, and other conditions, such as cavernous sinus syndrome and increased pressure in the skull, can damage the nerves responsible for eye movement. A thiamine deficiency may also be responsible. Treatment for ophthalmoparesis problems focuses on resolving the underlying condition.
Vocal cord paresis is usually caused by a viral infection, throat injury, or tumor of the laryngeal nerve around the vocal cords. In some cases, psychological and emotional problems can cause vocal cord paresis that has no physical cause. Psychological treatment and prescription medications to strengthen the tone and volume of the voice can help prevent symptoms from worsening. Surgery often helps correct limited movement of the vocal cords, although the effects may be temporary.
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