Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
hemiplegia
Pronunciation: hem-ee-PLEE-jee-ah
Complete paralysis of one side of the body, typically resulting from stroke or brain injury.
Full Definition
Complete paralysis affecting one side of the body, including the arm, leg, and sometimes the face on the same side. Hemiplegia typically results from damage to the motor cortex or corticospinal tract in the opposite hemisphere of the brain, commonly due to stroke, traumatic brain injury, or brain tumors. The condition significantly impacts mobility and activities of daily living.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from hemiparesis, which indicates weakness rather than complete paralysis.
In Context
- "The stroke resulted in left-sided hemiplegia with complete loss of motor function." — Acute care assessment
- "Rehabilitation focused on compensatory strategies for activities of daily living in the patient with right hemiplegia." — Physical therapy evaluation
Also known as
unilateral paralysis
Contrasted with
intact motor function
Don't confuse with
hemiparesis
paraplegia
quadriplegia