Which term describes total paralysis of one side of the body?

• A. Hemiplegia
• B. Paresthesias
• C. Presyncope
• D. Vertigo

Answer: (A)

Total paralysis of one side of the body is hemiplegia. The term combines hemi- (half) and -plegia (paralysis), indicating complete loss of voluntary movement on the affected side, typically from a brain lesion affecting the opposite side’s motor pathways. It’s distinct from hemiparesis, which means weakness without full paralysis. The other terms describe different symptoms—paresthesias are abnormal sensations like tingling, presyncope is a feeling of faintness, and vertigo is a spinning sensation. Recognizing hemiplegia helps localize a motor deficit to an upper motor neuron lesion in the brain.