What condition is characterized by paralysis of the lower extremities?

The condition characterized by paralysis of the lower extremities is paraplegia. This condition occurs when there is damage to the spinal cord, typically at the thoracic, lumbar, or sacral levels, which impacts the lower half of the body. Individuals with paraplegia often retain full use of their upper limbs but are unable to use their legs, leading to loss of mobility and function in the lower body.

In terms of differential diagnoses, quadriplegia involves paralysis of all four limbs and is associated with injury higher up the spinal cord. Hemiplegia refers to paralysis of one side of the body, often due to a stroke or neurological condition affecting one hemisphere of the brain. Monoplegia affects a single limb, which can result from localized issues such as nerve injury or conditions like polio. Therefore, paraplegia specifically describes the scenario involving only the lower extremities, distinguishing it clearly from the other terms.