GENERAL PARESIS Meaning and
Definition
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General paresis, also known as general paresis of the insane (GPI) or general paralysis of the insane (GPI), is a progressive neurological disorder that is a late complication of syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacteria Treponema pallidum. It is characterized by a wide range of symptoms that primarily affect the brain and central nervous system.
General paresis usually occurs several years or even decades after the initial infection with syphilis. It is believed to result from the chronic inflammatory response triggered by the presence of the bacteria in the body. The disease typically progresses over time and affects cognitive, emotional, and motor functions.
Common signs and symptoms of general paresis include dementia, personality changes, mood swings, memory loss, difficulty with speech and language, muscle weakness, tremors, and visual problems. As the disease progresses, individuals may experience seizures, hallucinations, and delusions. Left untreated, general paresis can lead to severe disability and eventually death.
Diagnosis of general paresis involves a thorough medical history review, physical examination, and various laboratory tests to confirm a syphilis infection and evaluate the nervous system involvement. Treatment generally includes long-term administration of antibiotics, typically penicillin, to eliminate the bacteria and reduce further damage to the brain.
Although general paresis carries a poor prognosis, early detection and treatment can help slow down the progression of the disease and manage symptoms. Regular follow-up appointments with healthcare professionals are essential to monitor the response to treatment and adjust medications as needed.
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Dementia paralytica, general paralysis of the insane; a disease of the brain, usually regarded as parasyphilitic in origin, marked by progressive dementia, tremor, speech disturbances, and increasing muscular weakness; in a large proportion of cases there is a preliminary stage of irritability followed by exaltation and delusions of grandeur.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for GENERAL PARESIS
- feneral paresis
- veneral paresis
- beneral paresis
- heneral paresis
- yeneral paresis
- teneral paresis
- gwneral paresis
- gsneral paresis
- gdneral paresis
- grneral paresis
- g4neral paresis
- g3neral paresis
- geberal paresis
- gemeral paresis
- gejeral paresis
- geheral paresis
- genwral paresis
- gensral paresis
- gendral paresis
- genrral paresis
Etymology of GENERAL PARESIS
The word "General Paresis" is derived from two terms:
1. General: The term "general" is derived from the Latin word "generalis", which means "pertaining to all" or "common to all". In the context of medical terminology, "general" refers to a condition or disease that affects the whole body or multiple systems.
2. Paresis: The term "paresis" comes from the Greek word "paresis" (πάρεσις), which translates to "relaxation" or "paralysis". In medical usage, "paresis" refers to a condition of partial or incomplete paralysis, where there is a weakness or loss of voluntary muscle control.
Therefore, "General Paresis" refers to a neurological disorder or syphilis-related condition that leads to a progressive, generalized paralysis or weakness affecting various bodily functions.
