Ryan Findlay | February 3, 2025 | Health Issues
What Is Hemiplegia?
The brain is made of two hemispheres, the left and the right. The term “hemi” means “half” (one side of the brain), and the word “plegia” means “paralysis.” When an injury to one brain hemisphere causes paralysis on one side of a person’s body, the condition is called “hemiplegia.”
Hemiplegia can affect the entire side of or only certain parts of a person’s body. It may be a symptom of a life-threatening condition such as a stroke. However, it can also happen in non-life-threatening circumstances.
What Causes Hemiplegia?
Hemiplegia indicates a problem within the nervous system. The central nervous system is made of two parts: the brain and the spinal cord. An injury to either part could result in hemiplegia.
Certain health conditions and injuries affecting the nervous system may lead to partial paralysis, including:
- Seizures
- Epilepsy
- Brain hemorrhages or aneurysms
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Strokes, including transient ischemic attacks (TIAs)
- Congenital conditions
- Brain bleeds
- Diseases of the nervous system, such as multiple sclerosis
- Migraine headaches (hemiplegic migraines)
Stroke is the leading cause of hemiplegia in the United States. A stroke may be caused by a traumatic brain injury or a health condition such as hypertension.
Treating Hemiplegia
Treatment plans for hemiplegia depend on the underlying cause of the condition. For example, if hemiplegia is caused by migraines, preventing future migraines would be the first course of action.
Unfortunately, many of the conditions that cause paralysis can also permanently damage the nervous system; in that case, hemiplegia is not always possible to treat. For example, partial paralysis related to multiple sclerosis is unlikely to get better. Someone with multiple sclerosis who develops hemiplegia may be considered permanently disabled.
The good news is that there are many established and emerging treatments for hemiplegia. A healthcare provider is the best person to speak to about managing this condition.
If you or someone you know experiences a sudden onset of hemiplegia, call 911. Do not ignore the symptoms or attempt to treat them at home. Hemiplegia is a major sign of stroke. Immediate medical care provides the best chance for survival and recovery.
Risk Factors Associated With Hemiplegia
Anyone can be affected by hemiplegia, but some people have a greater risk than others. Infants and people over the age of 55 are the most vulnerable groups. People with preexisting conditions like high cholesterol, kidney disease, and hypertension also have a higher risk.
Unhealthy habits like smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and leading a sedentary lifestyle may increase your risk of hemiplegia. Genetics and hereditary conditions also play a role.
Coping With Hemiplegia
Full recovery is possible for some people. Others must learn how to live with hemiplegia. Ongoing physical, occupational, and speech therapy can help individuals regain movement and prevent complications.
Living with a chronic illness may also lead to depression or anxiety. Medication and therapy can help with these mental health challenges.
It may also be helpful to include legal support in your recovery network. If your condition was caused by medical malpractice or another type of negligence, you may be entitled to financial compensation. This can be especially important if the condition has made it impossible for you to work or conduct day-to-day activities without assistance.
Don’t Ignore the Signs of Hemiplegia
If you experience numbness or paralysis on one side of your body, get immediate medical help, especially if you’ve been injured by a fall or another type of impact. Fast diagnosis and treatment improve the chance of survival and may lead to better recovery outcomes.
Contact Our Personal Injury Law Firm in Ontario, Canada
If you need legal help with a personal injury case, contact the team at Findlay Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation today.
Findlay Personal Injury Lawyers – Hamilton, ON
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