hemiparesis
Pronunciation: hem-ee-puh-REE-sis
Partial or incomplete weakness on one side of the body, commonly resulting from stroke or brain injury and distinguished from the complete paralysis of hemiplegia.
Full Definition
Hemiparesis denotes muscle weakness affecting the arm, leg, and sometimes face on one side of the body, without total loss of motor function. It is one of the most common impairments managed in neurological rehabilitation and appears frequently in stroke unit documentation, physiotherapy assessments, and research literature. Editors must rigorously distinguish it from hemiplegia (complete loss of motor function) because the distinction has direct implications for prognosis and treatment goals. Clinical texts sometimes use the terms loosely, and editors should query authors when the diagnosis is ambiguous. Side (left/right) and degree of weakness should always accompany the term.
Usage
Usage note: Must be distinguished from 'hemiplegia' (complete paralysis). Always qualify with side (left/right) and, where possible, severity.
In Context
- "Mild right hemiparesis was noted on examination, with grip strength reduced to 60% of the unaffected side." — Neurological rehabilitation assessment
- "The patient information leaflet incorrectly described the condition as hemiplegia; this was amended to hemiparesis following clinical review." — Patient education material editing note