Hemiplegia

Hemiplegia is the complete paralysis of one entire side of the body, described in the medical literature as the most severe form of hemiparesis, also called unilateral paresis, which is weakness rather than full paralysis of one entire side (hemi- meaning half). Either hemiparesis or hemiplegia can result from a wide variety of medical causes, including congenital conditions present from birth, blunt trauma, tumors pressing on or invading nervous tissue, traumatic brain injury, and stroke, which is one of the most common causes of sudden one-sided weakness or paralysis in adults. Because the underlying causes differ so widely, the severity, the exact side and body regions affected, and the prospects for recovery vary greatly from case to case, and the condition is generally managed by addressing its specific underlying cause alongside rehabilitative therapy for the affected side.