Word parts
What it means
Loss of movement in the arm, leg and often the face on one side. It comes from damage to the brain or spinal cord, most often a stroke. Because nerve paths cross over in the brain, damage on one side of the brain affects the opposite side of the body. Weakness without full paralysis on one side is called hemiparesis.
For the nurse
Position the client to protect the weak side, support the weak arm so the shoulder does not pull out of place, and teach the client to dress the weak side first. Approach and place items on the side they can see and use, as the care plan directs.
At a glance
| Spanish | hemiplejía |
|---|
Related terms
paralysis
Loss of the ability to move a part of the body, and sometimes loss of feeling in it.
-plegia
A word ending that means paralysis.
ischemic stroke
A stroke caused by a blocked artery that cuts off blood flow to part of the brain.