What does paralysis mean in medical terms?
Paralysis Menu. Paralysis is a loss of strength in and control over a muscle or group of muscles in a part of the body. Most of the time, this is not due to a problem with the muscles themselves. It is more likely due to a problem somewhere along the chain of nerve cells that runs from the body part to your brain and back again.
Where does paralysis occur in the body?
Paralysis can occur in any part of the body and is either localized, when it affects only one part of the body, or generalized, when it affects a wider area of the body. Localized paralysis often affects areas such as the face, hands, feet, or vocal cords.
What is the difference between generalized paralysis and hemiplegia?
Generalized paralysis is broken down based on how much of the body is paralyzed: Monoplegia affects one limb only, such as one arm or one leg. Hemiplegia affects one side of the body, such as the leg and arm of the same side of the body. Diplegia affects the same area on both sides of the body, such as both arms or both sides of the face.