Definitions of Paralysis Terms
| Diparesis |
Decreased limb movement of both upper extremities,usually as a result of bilateral brachial plexus lesions. |
| Diplegia |
Paralysis affecting symmetrical parts of the body. E.g. facial diplegia can occur with Guillain-Barre Syndrome. |
| Hemiparesis |
Weakness on one side of the body. Generally caused by lesions of the corticospinal tract, as in Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. |
| Hemiplegia |
Total paralysis of the arm, leg, and trunk on the same side of the body. Strokes are the most common cause in adults. |
| Paraparesis |
A slight paralysis or weakness of both lower limbs. |
| Paraplegia |
Spinal cord injury above the first thoracic vertebra, resulting in varying degrees of paralysis from partial impairment of leg movement to complete paralysis of the legs and abdomen. Full use of arms and hands is preserved. |
| Quadriparesis |
Partial paralysis or weakness in all four limbs. |
| Quadriplegia |
Spinal cord injury above the first thoracic vertebra, resulting in paralysis of all four limbs and weakened chest and abdominal muscles, causing weakened breathing and inability to cough properly to clear the chest. |
| Tetraparesis |
Partial paralysis or weakness in all four limbs. |
| Tetraplegia |
Spinal cord injury above the first thoracic vertebra, resulting in paralysis of all four limbs and weakened chest and abdominal muscles, causing weakened breathing and inability to cough properly to clear the chest. |
