Hemiparesis refers to which of the following?

• A. One-sided weakness
• B. Complete loss of movement
• C. Facial droop
• D. Sensation loss only

Answer: (A)

Hemiparesis refers to weakness on one side of the body due to impairment of motor pathways in the brain or spinal cord. It means you still have some movement, but with reduced strength, typically affecting both the arm and leg on the same side and sometimes involving facial muscles as well. This is different from a complete loss of movement (paralysis on one side) and from sensory loss alone. In many clinical situations, such as after a stroke, hemiparesis is a common sign indicating disruption of the corticospinal tract or motor cortex on one side.