Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

paralysis, infantile
See 
polio.
paralysis, laryngeal nerve
See 
laryngeal palsy.
paralysis, stomach
See 
gastroparesis.
paralysis agitans
See 
Parkinson’s disease.
paralytic ileus
See 
ileus.
paramyxovirus
One of a group of RNA viruses
that are predominantly responsible for acute respira-
tory diseases and are usually transmitted by airborne
droplets. The paramyxoviruses include the agents of
mumps, measles (rubeola), RSV (respiratory syncy-
tial virus), Newcastle disease, and parainfluenza.
paraneoplastic syndrome
A group of signs and
symptoms caused by a substance that is produced
by a tumor or in reaction to a tumor. Paraneoplastic
syndrome can be due to a number of causes,
including hormones or other biologically active
products made by the tumor, blockade of the effect
of a normal hormone, autoimmunity, immune-com-
plex production, and immunosuppression. By defi-
nition, paraneoplastic syndrome is not produced by
the primary tumor itself or by its metastases, nor is
it caused by compression, infection, nutritional defi-
ciency, or treatment of the tumor.
paraphilia
One of several complex psychiatric
disorders that are manifested as deviant sexual
behavior. For example, in men, the most common
forms are pedophilia (sexual behavior or attraction
toward children) and exhibitionism (exposing one’s
body in a public setting). Other paraphilias include
compulsive sexual behavior (nymphomania),
sadism, masochism, fetishism, bestiality (zoophilia),
and necrophilia. Treatment may include cognitive
321
paraphilia
17_189283 ch16.qxp 4/18/08 10:17 PM Page 321
http://www.rashidislamiccenter.com
http://www.allofislam.com/

---

behavioral therapy, psychotherapy, behavior modifi-
cation, use of antidepressant medications, and use of
medications that alter hormone production, particu-
larly of testosterone. However, the cause and treat-
ment of paraphilia are poorly understood, and
treatment is rarely effective. In addition, many pro-
fessionals prefer not to pathologize sexual behavior
that involves only willing adults, even if the behavior
might be deemed deviant in mainstream society. In
cases where the behavior is potentially criminal, as
in pedophilia, treatment is usually delivered within
the penal system.
paraphimosis
An emergency condition in which
the foreskin of the penis, once retracted, cannot
return to its original location. The foreskin remains
trapped behind the groove of the coronal sulcus,
between the shaft and the glans. This causes blood
to pool in the veins behind the entrapment, leading
to swelling and severe pain. Treatment involves
reduction of the foreskin using anesthetics and pain
medications, and surgery may be required.