general paresis

paresis /pa·re·sis/ (pah-re´sis) slight or incomplete paralysis.

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general paresis  paralytic dementia; a form of neurosyphilis in which chronic meningoencephalitis causes gradual loss of cortical function, progressive dementia, and generalized paralysis.

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general paresis

n.

A brain disease occurring as a late consequence of syphilis, characterized by dementia, progressive muscular weakness, and paralysis. Also called Bayle's disease, paralytic dementia.

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General paresis

A form of neurosyphilis in which the patient's personality, as well as his or her control of movement, is affected. The patient may develop convulsions or partial paralysis.

Mentioned in: Syphilis

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general paresis

Etymology: L, genus, kind; Gk, paralysis

a neurologic disorder that results from chronic syphilitic infection. It is characterized by degeneration of the cortical neurons; progressive dementia, tremor, and speech disturbances; muscular weakness; and ultimately generalized paralysis. It is often accompanied by periods of exultation and delusions of grandeur. Treatment usually consists of large doses of penicillin, without which the outcomes are almost invariably progressive deterioration and death. Also called paretic dementia, syphilitic meningoencephalitis.

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general paresis

Neurology A symptom of late tertiary syphilis 10+ yrs after the initial infection, caused by chronic meningoencephalitis resulting in progressive dementia and generalized paralysis. See Syphilis.