Pareses

By paresis, doctors understand an incomplete paralysis of a muscle, a muscle group or a whole extremity. The difference to plegia is that although the muscle strength in this area is significantly reduced, residual functions still exist. Pareses are caused by a neurological disorder.

The stroke disrupts the so-called 2nd motoneuron (motor nerve cells that innervate the muscles of the body and are located between the anterior horn cell in the spinal cord and the muscles).The result is a flaccid paralysis characterized by low muscle tone in the affected extremity. The muscle reflexes are weakened or even cancelled in this area. The muscle mass is atrophied (=reduced). Depending on how many limbs are affected by a paresis, the paresis is classified differently:

Monoparesis: only one limb affected
Diparesis: two limbs affected
Paraparesis: both arms or both legs affected
Hemiparesis: Arm and leg affected on one and the same side. It is particularly common in a stroke.
Tetraparesis: all four extremities affected

Spasticity

Studies have shown that one quarter of stroke patients develop spasticity. In spasticity (Greek “spasmos” = convulsion), muscle tone is increased in contrast to paresis (paralysis). This leads to a hardening of the muscles and thus to stiffness.

This rigidity can cause severe pain and pathological posture patterns. Depending on how severely the mobility is restricted, the affected persons suffer severe restrictions in their everyday life, such as eating with knife and fork or personal hygiene. The cause of spasticity is a disorder of the 1st motoneuron (motor nerve cells that run between the brain stem and the spinal cord).

Affected persons show increased muscle tone in the affected area, increased muscle reflexes, impaired movement coordination and uncontrollable muscle movements. Sometimes the symptoms are accompanied by exhaustion, lack of strength and sensitivity disorders. The classification of spasticity is similar to that of paresis (see above), depending on the localization and extent: monospasticity, dispassion, paraspasm, hemispasm or tetraspaction. Spasticity cannot be cured, but it can be well treated. Recommended for you to read up is also:

Spasticity after stroke
Physiotherapy according to Vojta