On the left is a section of the medulla showing complete atrophy of the pyramid of the left side. On the right, a section of the cervical region of the spinal cord shows degeneration of the corresponding crossed pyramidal tract on the right side as well as hemi-atrophy of this side of the cord. These sections are taken from a case of hemi-atrophy of the left side of the brain (of congenital origin). The patient would show a gross hemiplegia, i.e. paralysis (in this case) of the right side of the body accompanied by muscular rigidity, spastic contractions of the arm and foot due to the over-action of muscles during the period of growth. Probably the limbs on the right side would both be shorter and smaller than those on the left. In many cases also there is retarded mental development.

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