diplegia: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very low (technical/medical term)Formal, technical, medical
Quick answer
What does “diplegia” mean?
Paralysis affecting symmetrical parts on both sides of the body.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Paralysis affecting symmetrical parts on both sides of the body.
In medical contexts, a type of cerebral palsy primarily affecting the legs (spastic diplegia); more broadly, any neurological condition causing bilateral motor impairment.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or spelling; both use the same medical terminology.
Connotations
Purely clinical term in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely rare outside medical literature in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “diplegia” in a Sentence
[Patient] presents with diplegia.Diplegia affects [body part].[Condition] results in diplegia.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “diplegia” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The condition may diplegise the lower limbs. (Extremely rare, theoretical)
American English
- The lesion could diplegize the facial muscles. (Extremely rare, theoretical)
adverb
British English
- The muscles were affected diplegically. (Extremely rare)
American English
- The condition presented diplegically. (Extremely rare)
adjective
British English
- The diplegic patient requires specialised physiotherapy.
American English
- Diplegic symptoms were observed bilaterally.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in medical, neurological, and physiotherapy research papers.
Everyday
Extremely rare; used only by patients, caregivers, or medical professionals discussing specific conditions.
Technical
Core term in neurology, rehabilitation medicine, and orthopaedics.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “diplegia”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “diplegia”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “diplegia”
- Misspelling as 'diplagia' or 'diplegia' (confusing 'pl' with 'p').
- Using it to refer to paralysis on only one side (hemiplegia).
- Pronouncing it with a soft 'g' (/dʒ/) as in 'legion' instead of the correct /dʒ/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. Paraplegia specifically implies paralysis of the legs and lower body, often from spinal injury. Diplegia is paralysis of corresponding parts on both sides, often from a central (brain) cause, and while it often affects legs (spastic diplegia), it can affect other symmetrical parts (e.g., face).
There is no universal cure for neurological diplegia. Treatment focuses on management, improving function, mobility aids, physiotherapy, and sometimes surgical interventions to reduce spasticity or correct deformities.
It can be either. Congenital diplegia (like that from cerebral palsy) is present from birth. Acquired diplegia can result from later trauma, stroke, tumours, or infections affecting the brain or spinal cord.
'-plegia' (as in diplegia) means complete paralysis or loss of voluntary movement. '-paresis' means weakness or partial paralysis. For example, 'diparesis' would indicate bilateral weakness, not complete paralysis.
Paralysis affecting symmetrical parts on both sides of the body.
Diplegia is usually formal, technical, medical in register.
Diplegia: in British English it is pronounced /daɪˈpliːdʒə/, and in American English it is pronounced /daɪˈpliːdʒə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms exist for this technical term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'DI-' (two/both) + 'PLEGIA' (paralysis) = paralysis on both sides.
Conceptual Metaphor
Paralysis as a 'shutdown' or 'failure' of the body's wiring/system on both sides.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary conceptual component of 'diplegia'?