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[edit | edit source]

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 ,...)