general paralysis

American  

noun

Pathology.

1. a syphilitic brain disorder characterized by chronic inflammation and degeneration of cerebral tissue resulting in mental and physical deterioration.

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Etymology

Origin of general paralysis

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

No one suggested that my growing social anxiety, my persistent nightmares or my general paralysis in life might have been due to grief.

From Washington Post • May 12, 2022

The pair took pus from the sores of syphilitics and injected it into patients suffering from general paralysis of the insane.

From The New Yorker • May 20, 2019

Toward the end of the century, as many as one in five people entering asylums had general paralysis of the insane.

From The New Yorker • May 20, 2019

This may last several years, followed by the late stage, which can cause heart damage, blindness or general paralysis.

From Time Magazine Archive

Locomotor ataxia, and, above all, general paralysis develop, as a rule, in men who, having had syphilis, have some occupation in life that calls for considerable mental strenuosity, and involves excitement and worry.

From Psychotherapy by Walsh, James J. (James Joseph)