Which type of paralysis affects both lower limbs?

Which type of paralysis affects both lower limbs?

• A. Paraplegia
• B. Quadriplegia
• C. Hemiplegia
• D. Monoplegia

Answer: (A)

Paraplegia is the condition that specifically affects both lower limbs, resulting from injury or damage to the spinal cord in the thoracic, lumbar, or sacral regions. This paralysis typically results in the loss of function and sensation in the legs and lower body while leaving the arms and upper body largely unaffected. The name "paraplegia" comes from the Greek word "para," meaning "beside" or "alongside," and "plegia," meaning "paralysis," indicating paralysis of the lower half of the body. In contrast, quadriplegia affects all four limbs (both arms and legs) and is often the result of a spinal cord injury in the cervical region. Hemiplegia involves paralysis on one side of the body, typically due to a stroke or brain injury, affecting either the left or right side. Monoplegia refers to paralysis affecting a single limb, whether it be an arm or a leg. Thus, paraplegia is distinct in that it focuses solely on the lower limbs, making it the correct answer.

Paraplegia is the condition that specifically affects both lower limbs, resulting from injury or damage to the spinal cord in the thoracic, lumbar, or sacral regions. This paralysis typically results in the loss of function and sensation in the legs and lower body while leaving the arms and upper body largely unaffected. The name "paraplegia" comes from the Greek word "para," meaning "beside" or "alongside," and "plegia," meaning "paralysis," indicating paralysis of the lower half of the body.

In contrast, quadriplegia affects all four limbs (both arms and legs) and is often the result of a spinal cord injury in the cervical region. Hemiplegia involves paralysis on one side of the body, typically due to a stroke or brain injury, affecting either the left or right side. Monoplegia refers to paralysis affecting a single limb, whether it be an arm or a leg. Thus, paraplegia is distinct in that it focuses solely on the lower limbs, making it the correct answer.