A general term referring to a mild to moderate degree of muscular weakness, occasionally used as a synonym for PARALYSIS (severe or complete loss of motor function). In the older literature, paresis often referred specifically to paretic neurosyphilis (see NEUROSYPHILIS). General paresis and general paralysis may still carry that connotation. Bilateral lower extremity paresis is referred to as PARAPARESIS.

Annotation

remember that "paresis" is sometimes just "paralysis" in foreign lit; spastic paraparesis = PARAPARESIS, SPASTIC or PARAPARESIS, TROPICAL SPASTIC if caused by HUMAN T-LYMPHOTROPIC VIRUS 1

DUI

D010291 MeSH Browser

CUI

M0015948

History note

1963; for HEMIPARESIS use HEMIPLEGIA 1974-1999

Public note

1963; for HEMIPARESIS see HEMIPLEGIA 1974-1999