What is the medical term for weakness or paralysis on one side of the body, often associated with stroke?

The medical term for weakness or paralysis on one side of the body is hemiplegia. This condition is frequently observed in patients who have experienced a stroke, which affects motor control and can lead to varying degrees of impairment on one side. Hemiplegia specifically denotes a complete loss of movement (paralysis) on one half of the body, impacting the arm, leg, or face on that side depending on the brain area that is affected.

The other terms mentioned represent different neurological or movement disorders. Ataxia refers to a lack of voluntary coordination of muscle movements, often characterized by unsteady movements and balance issues, but it does not specifically address paralysis on one side of the body. Bradykinesia describes a slowing down of movement, which is commonly seen in conditions like Parkinson's disease but again does not denote paralysis. Autonomic dysreflexia is a medical emergency associated with spinal cord injuries, resulting in an overactive autonomic nervous system response, leading to hypertension and other symptoms, but it is not related to specific weakness or paralysis of body parts.