What does the suffix '-plegia' refer to in medical terminology?

The suffix '-plegia' is derived from Greek, where it means 'paralysis' or 'stroke.' In medical terminology, it is commonly used to describe a loss of motor function or movement due to damage or injury to the nervous system. For instance, terms like "hemiplegia" refer to paralysis affecting one side of the body, while "quadriplegia" refers to paralysis of all four limbs. This suffix is crucial for accurately describing various conditions related to paralysis, allowing healthcare professionals to communicate effectively about patient diagnoses and treatment needs.