Anosognosia Hides Paralysis From Patients

Anosognosia prevents a person from recognizing a medical condition, even one-sided paralysis, even when confronted with evidence. It is not ordinary denial; damage to brain regions that update self-image prevents the person from processing or recognizing the condition. French neurologist Joseph Babinski coined the term in 1914 after describing someone who could not use or feel the left side of their body but remained unaware of the problem. This lack of awareness can lead people to resist treatment.

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