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Diplegia vs. Paraplegia — What's the Difference?

Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 30, 2023
"Diplegia" means paralysis affecting symmetrical parts of the body. "Paraplegia" is paralysis of both legs and the lower body. Both terms describe types of paralysis but differ in regions affected.
Diplegia vs. Paraplegia — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Diplegia and Paraplegia

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Key Differences

"Diplegia" is a term that is most often associated with cerebral palsy and describes paralysis that affects symmetrical parts of the body. In the context of cerebral palsy, it mainly refers to both legs being affected, but the arms can be involved to a lesser extent. This term does not specify which parts are paralyzed but emphasizes the symmetrical nature of the affliction. On the other side, "Paraplegia" is a form of paralysis where there's an impairment in motor or sensory function of the lower extremities, commonly resulting from spinal cord injuries or diseases.
When observing causes, "Diplegia" often stems from brain injuries, especially those sustained during birth or shortly after. Such injuries can lead to cerebral palsy, where diplegia is one specific form. In contrast, "Paraplegia" typically arises from injuries to the thoracic, lumbar, or sacral regions of the spinal cord. Events such as traumatic accidents, tumors, or infections can damage these areas and lead to paraplegia.
In terms of manifestation, "Diplegia" usually presents with muscle stiffness (spasticity) in the affected regions, potentially causing walking difficulties. "Paraplegia," meanwhile, results in a total or partial loss of sensation and movement in the legs and the trunk below the level of injury. This often necessitates the use of mobility aids such as wheelchairs.

Comparison Chart

Basic Definition

Paralysis affecting symmetrical body parts.
Paralysis of both legs and often the lower body.

Common Causes

Brain injuries, often leading to cerebral palsy.
Spinal cord injuries or diseases.
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Affected Regions

Symmetrical parts; often legs, sometimes arms.
Legs and lower body below the level of the spinal injury.

Symptoms

Muscle stiffness, walking difficulties.
Loss of sensation/movement in legs and lower body.

Primary Affliction Source

Brain damage.
Spinal cord damage.

Compare with Definitions

Diplegia

Motor impairment typically affecting both legs.
Diplegia can make tasks like walking or running challenging.

Paraplegia

Paralysis of the lower half of the body, including both legs.
After the accident, she was diagnosed with paraplegia.

Diplegia

Paralysis marked by an equal degree of impairment on both sides.
His diplegia was evident in the way both his arms moved.

Paraplegia

Loss of motor and sensory function in the lower extremities.
Despite his paraplegia, he competes in wheelchair sports.

Diplegia

A condition where similar body parts on both sides are paralyzed.
Diplegia often requires physical therapy for mobility enhancement.

Paraplegia

Condition often necessitating the use of wheelchairs for mobility.
Adaptive technologies assist individuals with paraplegia.

Diplegia

Symmetrical paralysis, commonly seen in cerebral palsy.
The child's diplegia affects both her legs equally.

Paraplegia

Impairment resulting from injury to the thoracic or lumbar spinal cord.
Paraplegia can drastically alter a person's way of life.

Diplegia

Result of brain damage affecting symmetrical parts of the body.
Early intervention can assist children with diplegia in developing motor skills.

Paraplegia

Spinal cord injury leading to leg and often lower body paralysis.
Physical therapy plays a pivotal role in managing paraplegia.

Diplegia

Diplegia, when used singularly, refers to paralysis affecting symmetrical parts of the body. This is different from hemiplegia which refers to spasticity restricted to one side of the body, paraplegia which refers to paralysis restricted to the legs and hip, and quadriplegia which requires the involvement of all four limbs but not necessarily symmetrical.

Paraplegia

Paraplegia is an impairment in motor or sensory function of the lower extremities. The word comes from Ionic Greek (παραπληγίη) "half-stricken".

Diplegia

Paralysis of corresponding parts on both sides of the body, typically affecting the legs more severely than the arms.

Paraplegia

Paralysis of the legs and lower body, typically caused by spinal injury or disease.

Diplegia

Paralysis of corresponding parts on both sides of the body.

Paraplegia

Complete paralysis of the lower half of the body including both legs, usually caused by damage to the spinal cord.

Diplegia

(medicine) Paralysis that affects symmetrically opposed parts of the body.

Paraplegia

(pathology) A condition where the lower half of a patient's body is paralyzed and cannot move.

Diplegia

Paralysis of corresponding parts on both sides of the body

Paraplegia

Palsy of the lower half of the body on both sides, caused usually by disease of the spinal cord.

Paraplegia

Paralysis of the lower half of the body (most often as a result of trauma)

Common Curiosities

Can cerebral palsy lead to Diplegia?

Yes, diplegia is a form of cerebral palsy where symmetrical body parts, often the legs, are affected.

What is Diplegia?

Diplegia refers to the paralysis of symmetrical parts of the body, often seen in conditions like cerebral palsy.

How does Paraplegia affect individuals?

Paraplegia causes paralysis of the lower half of the body, typically both legs, due to spinal cord injury.

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Author Spotlight

Written by
Fiza Rafique
Fiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Tayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.

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