Overview

Hemiplegia is a neurological condition that is caused due to brain motor control damage or spinal cord injury. This condition causes paralysis on one side of the body and causes weakness, loss of muscle control, and extreme muscle stiffness. Hemiplegia, partial or complete paralysis on one side of the body, can impair the brain's connection with muscle movements. It makes the affected individual unable to move their arm or leg and even poses challenges while breathing properly.

What Is Hemiplegia?

Hemiplegia is a disorder that affects brain functioning and produces physical disability on one side of the body. Hemiplegia is a Greek term that means "half stroke" and "hemi." This illness can impair the arms, legs, and even the facial muscles on the afflicted side of the body. This medical condition can also impact an individual's emotions and thinking.

People often refer to Hemiplegia as Hemiparesis and are used interchangeably. Well, there is a slight difference between Hemiplegia and Hemiparesis:

Hemiplegia - It causes complete paralysis on one side of the body, making arms and legs totally beyond the brain's control
Hemipareis - It causes partial weakness and mild loss of strength in one side of the body.

Congenital Hemiplegia is a condition where a newborn develops Hemiplegia either before, during or soon after the birth until the age of 2.

Causes Of Hemiplegia

Hemiplegia, marked by partial paralysis, is caused due to disrupted neurological function. This condition profoundly impacts the smooth functioning of the brain and the muscles. Here are a few examples that can trigger Hemiplegia in an individual:

Strokes: Strokes are one of the leading causes of hemiplegia. When the blood flow towards the brain gets disrupted, it can lead to the occurrence of strokes and impaired brain functioning. This condition arises either due to blockage in veins called an ischemic stroke or due to bleeding in the brain called hemorrhagic stroke leading to paralysis. Strokes can be easily identified with numb arms, legs, and face, impaired vision, and difficulty understanding speech and walking.
Tumours: The presence of abnormal growths in the brain, known as Tumours, can be another leading cause of Hemiplegia in people. Tumours of different sizes can be present on different occasions in the brain, severely disrupting the smooth brain control functions and signalling processes. These disruptions can give rise to paralysis, aka Hemiplegia, in the body.
Head Injuries: These are often caused by accidents or falls that can severely cause damage to the brain, leading to Hemiplegia. If the injury affects areas responsible for controlling muscle movements, paralysis or Hemiplegia develops.
Infections: Certain infections, such as meningitis and encephalitis, can impact brain functioning by causing inflammation in the brain and the surrounding membranes. This will further cause severe damage in the form of paralysis and other long-term neurological complications.
Congenital Factors: Some people have Hemiplegia from birth. This scenario develops due to improper foetal development, which affects brain motor control and other neurological disorders.
Vascular Issues: Malfunctions with blood vessels known as arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) can significantly give rise to Hemiplegia. The impaired connection between the arteries and veins can disrupt the blood flow to the brain, leading to neurological complications such as Hemiplegia.
Neurological disorders: Hemiplegia can be developed due to neurological disorders like Cerebral palsy or multiple sclerosis. This can disrupt the nervous system functioning inside the brain and can impact balance & coordination.

Symptoms Of Hemiplegia

Hemiplegia occurs when the motor cortex of the brain gets damaged. The symptoms either develop gradually or happen suddenly. Here is the list of the most common symptoms experienced in Hemilplegia:

Stiffness on one side of the body makes it difficult for the affected person to move hands or even properly.
Facing challenges while walking due to involuntary muscle contractions and impaired balance
Trouble while concentrating
Seizures
Behaviour changes
Partially impaired vision
Motor Deficits cause difficulty in balanced and controlled movements.

Treatment For Hemiplegia

A person with Hemiplegia may require more than one or two tests to diagnose the condition. The treatment for Hemiplegia involves a multidisciplinary approach that requires rehabilitation therapists, mental health experts, and physical therapists.

Electrical Stimulation: This procedure involves the usage of electrical pads to trigger muscle movements and effectively reduce the imbalance in the brain function on the affected side
Speech Therapy: People with Hemiplegia or Paralysis often lose their ability to speak properly. Speech Therapy is done to improve communication skills, overcome swallowing difficulties and improve overall oral function.
Surgical Interventions: This course of treatment is done to treat joint deformities. Surgical interventions include orthopaedic corrections and tendon lengthening to improve overall function.
Physical Therapy: This strengthens the affected muscles, incorporating movements, flexibility, and coordination. Physical therapy is done to overcome functional limitations and achieve balance.
Assistive Devices: Your healthcare professional may advise using assistive devices like a wheelchair, walker, or brace to help you improve your muscular control, motor function, balance, and coordination.
Occupational Therapy: This procedure is done with individuals to help them adjust to their current lifestyle (post-injury or trauma). The healthcare professionals provide adaptive techniques and strategies that help you easily carry out your daily routines.

When To Consult A Doctor

You can also get in touch with the expert neurology doctors at Narayana Healthcare based in your city to get immediate attention and medical support during injuries, health disorders or any other health concern.

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Conclusion

Hemiplegia is not a permanent condition and can be improved with proper guidance and support. Try practising lifestyle modifications like a healthy diet and moderate exercise to enhance overall well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hemiplegia

Q1. What is Hemiplegia?
A1. Hemiplegia is a brain disorder that can cause partial paralysis on the side of the body. This can further cause loss of muscle control and extreme muscle stiffening on the affected side of the body.

Q2. What causes Hemiplegia or Hemiparaeisis?
A2. Hemiplegia, also known as Hemiparaises, can be caused due to several underlying health conditions like head injuries, infections, brain tumours, strokes, and other diseases that might impact the normal functioning of the brain.

Q3. What is the treatment available for Hemiplegia?
A3. Hemiplegia requires a multifaceted approach where the doctor addresses the underlying health conditions. The treatment can involve rehabilitation therapies to improve speech, mobility, and function.

Q4. What is the difference between Hemiplegia and Hemiparaeisis?
A4. Hemiplegia is one-sided paralysis of the body, whereas Hemiparaesis causes partial weakness and mild loss of strength on one side of the body.

Q5. What is the recovery time for Hemiplegia?
A5. The recovery time for Hemiplegia varies depending upon the underlying conditions that caused it. The treatment time also depends upon the response time each individual takes for the treatment.