Table of Contents
Definition:
Hemiplegia is a neurological disorder that results in the paralysis of one half of the body. A stroke, a brain tumor, or a traumatic brain injury causes hemiplegia.
Causes:
The paralysis may be complete, or it may be partial. The affected half of the body may be weak and floppy, or it may be stiff and difficult to move.
Types of Hemiplegia and Mechanism
There are two types of hemiplegia:
Athetoid hemiplegia: This type is caused by damage to the cerebellum, which controls movement. This results in uncontrolled, jerky movements.
Spastic hemiplegia: This type is caused by damage to the corticospinal tract, which controls movement. This results in stiff and rigid muscles.
Hemiplegia Treatment
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of how to treat hemiplegia. Treatment will vary depending on the underlying cause of the hemiplegia, as well as the age and general health of the person affected. Some common treatments for hemiplegia include:
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
- Bracing or splinting
- Medication
- Surgery
Physical therapy is one of the most important treatments for hemiplegia. Physical therapists can help people with hemiplegia regain strength, range of motion, and coordination. Occupational therapy can help people with hemiplegia learn how to do everyday tasks, such as bathing and dressing, despite any difficulty they may have with movement. Speech therapy can help people with hemiplegia regain the ability to speak clearly.
If a person has hemiplegia due to a stroke, they may also be prescribed medication to help reduce the risk of another stroke and to relieve any symptoms they are experiencing. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the underlying cause of the hemiplegia.
