Cause of death on death certificate

[caliope]

Hello,

I was wondering if anyone knows what the cause of death of "paralysis" might mean on a death certificate? My gg grandmother died in Hendon Union Workhouse of paralysis in 1897. Any ideas/suggestions would be welcome.

Thank you!

Liz

[Heather & Gerry]

Hi Liz, according to the website http://www.paul_smith.doctors.org.uk/ArchaicMedicalTerms.htm paralysis will generally mean a stroke if used as an unmodified term. We hope this helps, Heather and Gerry.

[Peter Goodey]

As Heather and Gerry have hinted, "General Paralysis" meant something completely different ;)

[caliope]

Thank you for the great website, Heather and Gerry. I added it to my favourites. The death certificate definitely says "paralysis" only which rules out the other kind!

Liz