Hemiplegia Meaning and Definition

Hemiplegia

Hemiplegia

Pronunciation

/ˌhɛmɪˈpliːdʒɪə/

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A condition in which one side of the body is weak, paralyzed, or numb due to damage to the brain or spinal cord, often resulting from stroke, trauma, or condition such as cerebral palsy or multiple sclerosis.

Etymology

From Greek ἕμισ (hēmis), “half”, and πλῆξις (plēxis), “paralysis”

Usage Notes

When referring to a person who has hemiplegia, use the person-first language, for example, “person with hemiplegia” instead of “hemiplegic person”.

Cultural References

Hemiplegia is mentioned in the TV show “House M.D.” as a diagnosis for a character.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

Related Words or Phrases

  • Paralysis
  • Weakness
  • Stroke

Collocations

  • Hemiplegia treatment
  • Hemiplegia symptoms

Frequency of Use

Hemiplegia is a relatively rare condition, but its frequency of use in medical and healthcare contexts is moderate.

Common Misspellings

hemiplega, hemiplegis, hemiplegise

Related Words