Definition

Noun: A medical condition characterized by weakness, limpness, or loss of muscle tone, resulting from damage to the nerves that connect to and control the muscles. The affected muscles become soft, floppy, and unable to contract normally.

Usage

This term is used specifically in medical and clinical contexts to describe a type of paralysis. * It is often contrasted with spastic paralysis, where muscles are tight and rigid. * It is a symptom, not a disease itself, and indicates a problem with the peripheral nerves or motor neurons.

Examples

• The patient was diagnosed with flaccid paralysis of the lower limbs after the spinal injury.
• Poliomyelitis is a classic viral infection that can cause flaccid paralysis.
• The examination revealed flaccid paralysis in the arm, suggesting possible nerve damage.

Advanced Usage

• Clinical Description: In flaccid paralysis, deep tendon reflexes are usually absent or diminished, and muscle atrophy (wasting) occurs over time due to disuse.
• Temporary vs. Permanent: Flaccid paralysis can be temporary, as in some cases of Bell's palsy, or permanent, depending on the extent of nerve damage.

Variants and Related Words

• Flaccid (adj): Soft, limp, or lacking firmness. (e.g., ).
• Paralysis (n): The loss of the ability to move (and sometimes to feel) in part or most of the body.
• Areflexia (n): The absence of neurological reflexes, a common finding in flaccid paralysis.
• Hypotonia (n): Abnormally low muscle tone, which is a key feature of flaccid paralysis.

Synonyms

• Atonic paralysis
• Limp paralysis

Antonyms

• Spastic paralysis
• Hypertonia

Noun

1. weakness or loss of muscle tone resulting from injury or disease of the nerves innervating the muscles