Hemiparesis
Pronunciation: heh-mee-pah-REE-sis
Weakness affecting one side of the body, less severe than hemiplegia, commonly seen after stroke or hemispheric brain injury.
Full Definition
Hemiparesis denotes unilateral motor weakness in which some voluntary movement is preserved, differentiating it from hemiplegia where movement is completely absent. In physiatric documentation, accurate use of hemiparesis versus hemiplegia is clinically significant because it influences rehabilitation goals, functional prognosis, and insurance classification. The degree of paresis is often graded using the Medical Research Council (MRC) scale. Editors reviewing stroke rehabilitation reports, progress notes, or discharge summaries must verify that authors apply the correct term based on documented neurological examination findings.
Usage
Usage note: Use only when voluntary movement is confirmed to be present but reduced. Do not treat as synonymous with hemiplegia.
In Context
- "The occupational therapist documented mild right hemiparesis with grip strength of 3/5 on the MRC scale." — Occupational therapy progress note
- "The manuscript used hemiplegia throughout despite the neurological findings describing preserved voluntary movement, requiring editorial correction to hemiparesis." — Peer review editorial comment