Muscle Weakness
Paresis is the medical term for partial or mild paralysis, often described as muscle weakness. In MS it is usually caused by nerve damage as a result of demyelination of the nerve fibres.
The nerve damage may be caused by lesions in the spine, cerebellum or brainstem. This damage and resultant impairment of the motor nerve pathways brings about the perceived muscle weakness. It should not be confused with ataxia which is the inability to coordinate th muscle movements.
This muscle weakness can lead to a lack of exercise which in turn can bring about loss of muscle tone or atrophy.
Depending upon the areas affected by the paresis, the terminology varies:
- monoparesis - affects one or other leg
- paraparesis - affects both legs
- hemiparesis - affects one half of the body
- quadraparesis - affects all four limbs
Braces, Canes (walking sticks), walkers, scooters, wheelchairs, or other assistive devices can help the patient remain mobile.
I suffer from quadraparesis although the paresis in my arms is very mild. I do manage to exercise, very gently, to help avoid any muscle atrophy. I have found swimming to be very beneficial, although don't ask me to walk when I get out of the pool.