Final answer:
Hemiplegia is a condition that results in paralysis on one side of the body, typically caused by brain or spinal cord injuries. It differs from paraplegia, which affects both legs, and quadriplegia, which impacts all four limbs and the trunk.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hemiplegia refers to the condition where a person experiences paralysis on one side of the body. This can result from various conditions such as a stroke or spinal cord injury causing damage to parts of the nervous system that control muscle movements. The paralysis is typically restricted to one side of the body corresponding to the opposite side of the brain or spinal cord that is affected. For instance, if the right side of the brain is damaged, it may cause left-sided hemiplegia.
When comparing to other forms of paralysis, paraplegia affects both legs and possibly the lower trunk, while quadriplegia refers to paralysis of all four limbs including the trunk. Hemiplegia's distinct feature is its one-sided nature, which can dramatically impact a person's mobility and ability to perform everyday tasks.