Hemiplegia: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
A person with hemiplegia is paralyzed or weakened on one side of the body, usually on the left or right side. This condition is not a disease, but rather a symptom of another condition affecting the brain or spinal cord.
Causes of hemiplegia
Hemiplegia can be caused by various conditions that injure the brain or spinal cord, such as:
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A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted by a clot or bleed. Stroke is the leading cause of hemiplegia in both children and adults. In terms of severity and location, it can cause permanent or temporary hemiplegia.
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An injury to the brain resulting from a traumatic brain injury (TBI) can result in hemiplegia if it damages the part of the brain that controls movement on one side of the body.
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A brain tumor is an abnormal growth of brain cells that can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). A brain tumor can cause hemiplegia if it presses on or invades the part of the brain that controls movement on one side.
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An infection of the brain can cause hemiplegia if it affects the part of the brain that controls movement on one side of the body. Infections of the brain are usually caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites.
Some people may be born with hemiplegia or develop it in early childhood. This is called congenital hemiplegia. It can be caused by genetic disorders, prenatal infections, birth complications, or brain malformations.
Symptoms of hemiplegia
Hemiplegia affects either the left or the right side of the body, depending on which side of the brain is injured. The symptoms can vary in severity and may include:
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Loss or lack of balance
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Difficulty walking
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Inability to grasp objects
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Impaired coordination
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Muscle fatigue
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Muscle stiffness or spasms
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Pain or numbness
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Changes in sensation or temperature
Hemiplegia may also cause other symptoms related to the brain injury, such as:
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Changes in behavior
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Difficulty speaking
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Seizures
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Difficulty with concentration, memory, attention, or thinking
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Confusion, agitation, or restlessness
Children with hemiplegia may show signs such as:
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Delayed walking
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Walking on their tip toes
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Keeping one hand fisted
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Favoring one hand over the other before the age of 12 years
Diagnosis of hemiplegia
Hemiplegia is diagnosed by a physical examination and a medical history. The doctor will ask about the onset, duration, and progression of the symptoms, as well as possible causes or risk factors. A doctor will also examine the injured side's strength, reflexes, sensation, and coordination.
To determine the cause of hemiplegia, the doctor may order some tests, such as:
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Blood tests: Blood tests can check for infections, clotting disorders, or other conditions that may cause hemiplegia.
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Imaging tests: Imaging tests can show the structure and function of the brain and spinal cord. They can help identify strokes, tumors, infections, or other abnormalities that may cause hemiplegia. Some common imaging tests are computed tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, or positron emission tomography (PET) scan.
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Electroencephalogram (EEG): An EEG is a test that measures the electrical activity of the brain. It can help detect seizures or other brain disorders that may cause hemiplegia.
Treatment of hemiplegia
The treatment of hemiplegia depends on the cause, severity, and type of hemiplegia. The main goals of treatment are to:
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Treat the underlying condition that causes hemiplegia
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Prevent or reduce complications such as infections, blood clots, or pressure sores
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Improve the function and quality of life of the person with hemiplegia
Some common treatments for hemiplegia are:
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Hemiplegia can be treated with antibiotics, anticoagulants, or anticonvulsants for its underlying cause, such as infections, clots, or seizures. Hemiplegia can also be treated with medications to reduce pain, inflammation, or muscle spasms.
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Brain surgeries may be needed to remove tumors, drain bleeds, repair aneurysms, release tight muscles, and implant devices that stimulate nerves or muscles.
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A key component of treatment for hemiplegia is rehabilitation. There are various types of rehabilitation, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and psychological therapy. Hemiplegia patients can benefit from rehabilitation by improving their movement, function, and independence, as well as preventing or reducing the effects of muscle stiffness, contractures, and deformities.
Prevention of hemiplegia
Hemiplegia may not be preventable in some cases, such as congenital hemiplegia or brain tumors. However, some steps can be taken to reduce the risk of hemiplegia caused by stroke or traumatic brain injury, such as:
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Controlling blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and other conditions that increase the risk of stroke
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Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol intake
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Eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly
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Taking prescribed medications to prevent or treat clots or arrhythmias
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Wearing a seat belt and a helmet when driving or riding a vehicle
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Avoiding falls, violence, or sports injuries that can cause head trauma
