spastic paralysis n paralysis with tonic spasm of the affected muscles and with increased tendon reflexes
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weakness of a limb or limbs associated with increased reflex activity. This results in resistance to passive movement of the limb (see spasticity). It is caused by disease affecting the nerve fibres of the corticospinal tract, which in health not only initiate movement but also inhibit the stretch reflexes to allow the movements to take place. See also cerebral palsy.
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paralysis marked by spasticity of the muscles of the paralyzed part and increased tendon reflexes, due to upper motor neuron lesions. See also spastic paraplegia. Cf. flaccid p.Medical dictionary. 2011.