What condition describes paralysis on either the left or right side of the body?

Hemiplegia refers specifically to paralysis affecting one side of the body, which can be either the left or the right side. This condition often results from brain injuries, such as strokes, that impact the areas responsible for motor control on either side of the brain. The term "hemiplegia" derives from "hemi," meaning half, and "plegia," meaning paralysis, making it a precise descriptor for this type of paralysis.

In contrast, quadriplegia refers to paralysis of all four limbs, monoplegia describes paralysis affecting a single limb, and paresis indicates partial loss of voluntary movement or weakness in a muscle or group of muscles, rather than complete paralysis. Thus, hemiplegia stands out as the correct term for paralysis limited to one side of the body.