Pathologic Condition

Paresis

A general term referring to a mild to moderate degree of muscular weakness, occasionally used as a synonym for PARALYSIS (severe or complete loss of motor function). In the older literature, paresis often referred specifically to paretic neurosyphilis (see NEUROSYPHILIS). General paresis and general paralysis may still carry that connotation. Bilateral lower extremity paresis is referred to as PARAPARESIS.