What is the term for complete paralysis of one side of the body?

The term that denotes complete paralysis of one side of the body is hemiplegia. This condition occurs when there is damage to the part of the brain responsible for motor control. The term reflects the loss of voluntary movement and sensation on one side, commonly resulting from a stroke or other neurological conditions that affect brain function.

In contrast, hemiparesis refers to weakness on one side of the body, rather than complete paralysis. Paraplegia describes paralysis affecting the lower half of the body, usually due to spinal cord injuries or disorders affecting the thoracic, lumbar, or sacral regions of the spinal cord. Quadriplegia involves paralysis of all four limbs, resulting from injury to the spinal cord at a cervical level. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for accurately describing neurological conditions.