Clinical Diagnosis · Nervous System · Medium
Hemiplegia
Meaning: Paralysis affecting one side of the body.
In practice: A spastic form of cerebral palsy where the arm is usually more affected than the leg; also follows stroke.
Word parts
- hemi- means half
- -plegia means paralysis
Many medical words are built from Greek and Latin parts like these, so learning a few helps you work out new terms.
Quick check
Two questions on related clinical diagnosis words.
Which word means: Infection or inflammation of the inner lining of the heart, usually affecting the valves.
Answer: Endocarditis
Which word means: Dipstick or laboratory testing of a voided sample for blood, protein, glucose and infection markers.
Answer: Urinalysis
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