What is hemiparesis?

What is hemiparesis?

• A. Paralysis of the body below the waist
• B. Drooping of the face on both sides
• C. The tendency to ignore one side of the body
• D. Weakness on one side of the body

Answer: (D)

Hemiparesis is weakness on one side of the body caused by damage to the brain or its motor pathways. You may still move that side, but with less strength, and the weakness is usually opposite the side of the brain that was injured (for example, a left-brain injury often causes weakness on the right side). It’s not complete paralysis—that would be hemiplegia. It’s also not a bilateral facial droop or neglect of one side, which are different problems. In care, monitor strength on the affected side and assist with safe transfers to prevent falls.

Hemiparesis is weakness on one side of the body caused by damage to the brain or its motor pathways. You may still move that side, but with less strength, and the weakness is usually opposite the side of the brain that was injured (for example, a left-brain injury often causes weakness on the right side). It’s not complete paralysis—that would be hemiplegia. It’s also not a bilateral facial droop or neglect of one side, which are different problems. In care, monitor strength on the affected side and assist with safe transfers to prevent falls.