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 plegia
 * muscle hypotrophy — often caused by inactivity
 * irritant phenomena — manifestations of pyramidal tract involvement ( Babinski, Juster ,...)

Related articles

 * Peripheral palsy
 * Plegia
 * Paresis
 * Pyramidal phenomena
 * Reflex