Hemiparalysis

/ˌhɛmɪpəˈræləsɪs/ noun

Definition

Paralysis or severe weakness affecting one side of the body, typically resulting from brain injury, stroke, or spinal cord damage.

Etymology

From Greek hemi- (half) + paralysis (from Greek para- meaning 'beside' + lysis meaning 'loosening'), describing loss of movement on one half of the body.

Kelly Says

Hemiparalysis after a stroke reveals the brain's organizational mystery—the right brain controls the left side and vice versa, so doctors can pinpoint exactly where brain damage occurred by seeing which side is paralyzed.

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