ALU 301 Practice Test Questions and Answers

Paralysis A loss of muscle function of one or more muscle groups. Often a result of trauma to the brain or spinal cord, but other major causes include tumors, vascular insult, motor neuron or demyelinating diseases, inflammation and infection. Can be temporary, intermittent, progressive or permanent. Paresis Incomplete or partial paralysis. Monoplegia/monoparesis Paralysis or paresis of a single limb. Diplegia Paralysis that is bilateral, usually affecting lower limbs greater than upper limbs. Often used when describing effects of cerebral palsy. Hemiplegia/hemiparesis Paralysis or paresis affecting one side of the body. Most common cause is cerebrovascular disease. Upper limb usually affected more severely than the lower limb. Paraplegia/paraparesis Paralysis or paresis of the lower trunk and legs - usually below a spinal cord lesion. Quadraplegia/tetraplegia and tetraparesis Most severe form of paralysis or paresis affecting both arms and both legs. Commonly caused by trauma - usually injury to the high cervical spinal cord region (C4 or higher); always bowel and bladder involvement and respiratory muscles can be compromised depending on the level of injury. Assisted ventilation can be required. Spastic paralysis Associated with motor nerve damage in CNS. It is manifested by exaggerated deep tendon reflexes and forceful and prolonged muscular spasms. Over time, limbs can be fixed in bent positions known as contractures. Flaccid paralysis Associated with cranial or spinal nerve lesions and causes loss of muscle tone. Underwriting considerations for paralysis Age at onset; underlying cause; acute, chronic, remitting/recurring, stable, progressive; impact on quality of life, if any. Cerebral Palsy A general term that describes a group of disorders presenting either at birth or in early infancy. These disorders are thought to arise from brain damage during gestation, at the time of birth, or shortly afterwards. It is a leading cause of childhood disability.