Paresis/paralysis- Key Differences

Our body is what we are. It is all that matters. If the body is not keeping well, no matter how well you are psychologically, it will not let you function properly. It is of utmost importance that you keep your body in proper condition and hence take the necessary steps to achieve so. For this, you need to be aware about the functionalities of the various parts of your body. You should know what to do if you are not feeling well or going through a sudden attack. It is important for everyone to be aware about their body and keep it in good working condition. Most of the people have a notion, that the doctors and physicians are the only ones to be concerned about knowing the body well. Well, yes, they are the ones who are aware about the body in great depth, but every person should have a basic know-how about the functionality of the human body.

Here we discuss about a much talked about disease paralysis and how it is different from the phenomenon called paresis.

Difference in definition of Paresis And Paralysis

Incidentally, both paresis and paralysis point to the same thing- that is muscle weakness. The main difference lies the way it affects the human body and which is one more severe than the other. When the muscle weakness is restricted or partial, it is referred as Paresis. Paresis affects a larger group of muscles. In case of paralysis, the muscle weakness is complete or very severe. Paralysis is more localized and affects fewer muscles or organs.

Affect of paresis on the body

The upper motor neurons connect with the motor cortex which is concerned with the control and execution of muscle movements. If the upper motor neurons are damaged, then it results in partial feebleness of the muscles and that is referred to as paresis. When a person is having a stroke of some kind, then it is paresis too. It is generally temporary and can be reverted after proper medical care. When one leg or arm is affected or weakened it is referred to as mono paresis. When both legs are affected it is known as para-paresis. If a stroke affects the upper motor neurons then a person often experiences hemi-paresis, i.e. an arm and a leg is affected on either side of the body. If the cervical cord or the spinal cord is damaged at the upper level then all four limbs might get weakened.

Affect of paralysis on the body

The lower motor neurons are connected with intermediate centres in the spinal cord, which are concerned with muscle contraction. If lower motor neurons are damaged, it results in absolute paralysis of that muscle. Motor neuropathy is an example, where degeneration of lower motor neurons occur. This condition makes the affected muscle flaccid and thus contractions are lost and the muscle tone is considerably reduced.

In paresis, the disability is higher than the weakness that is apparent. In paralysis, the disability is proportional to the extent to which a muscle has been affected.