Central palsy

The central or also spastic form of paralysis is characterized by the involvement of the central motor neuron. The lesion is therefore located in the CNS , either in the brain or in the spinal cord. The etiology can be varied, e.g.: strokes , tumors , CNS inflammation , trauma , subdural or epidural hematomas, etc. Depending on the severity and localization, we distinguish between plegia (complete paralysis) and paresis (only partial paralysis).

Characteristic features of central palsy

• spasticity — increased resting muscle tone; the patient appears stiff
• hyperreflexia — reflexes are more vivid, more pronounced, and their reflex zone is expanded
• paresis or Plegial
• muscle hypotrophy — often caused by inactivity
• irritant phenomena — manifestations of pyramidal tract involvement ( Babinski , Juster ,...)

Links

Related articles

• Peripheral palsy
• Plegia
• Paresis
• Pyramidal phenomena
• Reflex

Source

• AMBLER, Z – BEDNAŘÍK, J – RŮŽIČKA, E. Klinická neurologie – část obecná. 1. edition. Triton, 2004. ISBN 80-7254-556-6.