Weakness on one side of the body is called?

• A. Hemiparesis
• B. Monoplegia
• C. Hemiplegia
• D. Diplegia

Answer: (A)

Weakness on one side of the body is called hemiparesis. It means partial loss of motor strength on one side, not a complete loss of movement. This differs from hemiplegia, which is complete paralysis of that side. Paralysis of a single limb is monoplegia, while diplegia refers to weakness or paralysis affecting both limbs on the same side pairs (usually both legs). The term hemiparesis helps indicate a unilateral motor deficit likely due to involvement of the motor pathways on the opposite side of the brain or spinal cord. In Parkinson’s disease, symptoms often start on one side, but weakness isn’t the defining feature; the hallmark signs are bradykinesia, rigidity, tremor, and postural instability.