Hemiplegia is a condition that causes paralysis affecting only one side of the body. It may involve an arm or leg, half of the face, or even half of the entire body. This form of paralysis can severely impact a person’s ability to move and live independently.
If a loved one suffered in an accident by someone else’s negligence, an experienced brain injury lawyer at Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys can help you.
Hemiplegia and Other Types Of Paralysis
Paralysis comes in many forms. It may be complete with a total loss of motor function of the affected area or incomplete, which means the affected area retains some sensation and motor function.
When paralysis is localized, it affects a very specific, small area of the body. Generalized paralysis affects a large area of the body.
There are many common types based on the area affected:
- Monoplegia: one arm or one leg
- Hemiplegia: one side of the body, such as the left arm and left leg
- Diplegia: same area affected on both sides, such as both arms
- Paraplegia: both legs and possibly the torso
- Tetraplegia (or quadriplegia): all four limbs and the torso
As you may have noticed, these medical terms all share the Greek “-plegia” suffix, which means “paralysis.” The “hemi-” prefix means “half” or “part.”
By comparison, the suffix “-paresis” means partial paralysis or weakness. Hemiparesis, for example, means slight paralysis of one side, and paraparesis means weakness in the lower limbs.
What Causes Hemiplegia?
Hemiplegia is most often caused by injuries or medical conditions affecting the brain or spinal cord. This impairment of the central nervous system affects signals between the brain and the muscles.
Most cases of hemiplegia are caused by some form of brain damage. Damage to one side of the brain can affect motor function on the opposite side of the body.
Common causes of hemiplegia include:
- Stroke, also known as cerebrovascular accident (CVA). The leading cause of hemiplegia, strokes occur when blood flow to the brain is blocked, depriving it of oxygen and nutrients. This can result in brain damage on one side, leading to paralysis on the opposite side of the body.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). A severe head injury can cause brain damage, leading to hemiplegia.
- Spinal cord injuries. Damage to the spinal cord can result in paralysis, including hemiplegia.
- Brain tumors. Growths in the brain can compress or damage areas responsible for movement.
- Infections. Conditions like encephalitis or meningitis can damage brain tissue.
For some people, hemiplegia is the result of an acute injury or sudden event like a head injury. It can also develop gradually due to an underlying medical condition.
Cerebral palsy (CP) is often associated with hemiplegia. CP is a group of disorders that affect movement and muscle tone, often present from birth. It happens when the developing brain is damaged in utero, during childbirth, or soon after birth.
The most common type of CP is spastic cerebral palsy which causes stiff, tight muscles, jerky movements, and limited range of movement. It may be described by the area of the body that’s affected. Spastic hemiplegia means only one side is affected, usually with the arm affected more than the leg.
Common Symptoms Of Hemiplegia
Hemiplegia symptoms can vary depending on the cause and severity.
Typical symptoms and side effects are:
- Paralysis that affects only one side of the body
- Muscles that are tight, weak, or spastic
- Poor coordination and balance
- Difficulty walking
- Difficulty with fine motor skills
- Reduced sensation in the affected area
- Slurred speech or difficulty swallowing
- Drooping on one side of the face
- Chronic pain
A neurological disorder called Pusher Syndrome is common with hemiplegia. This causes the person to actively push away from the unaffected side, causing a loss of balance. Children with hemiplegia may experience developmental delays, such as difficulty crawling, walking, or grasping objects.
Hemiplegia can be considered a catastrophic injury that makes many aspects of life challenging. Many people with hemiplegia rely on assistive devices like braces or wheelchairs. The condition can make daily activities like dressing difficult and affect the ability to work. The paralysis can also have a devastating psychological impact.
Contact the Joliet Brain Injury Law Firm of Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys for Help Today
If you have hemiplegia caused by a car accident or other traumatic injury, you may be entitled to compensation from the responsible party. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and fight for your rights at every step. Schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer to discuss what they can do to help you.
For more information, please contact the experienced Joliet brain lawyers at Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys today. We offer free consultations.
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Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys – Joliet Office
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