Hemiplegia

Overview

Hemiplegia is a condition in which one-half of a patient's body is paralyzed. Hemiplegia is more severe than hemiparesis, wherein one half of the body is weakened but not paralysed

Symptoms

• Sudden unilateral extremity weakness, loss of function
• Reflects spinal cord or higher involvement

Causes

Hemiplegia can be congenital or acquired, as from illness or stroke. It is usually the result of a stroke, although disease processes affecting the spinal cord and other diseases affecting the hemispheres are equally capable of producing this clinical state. Hemiplegia can be a more serious consequence of stroke than spasticity.[2] Cerebral palsy can also affect one hemisphere, resulting in limited function. This does not cause paralysis but instead causes spasms. Cerebral palsy where this is the only symptom is often referred just as hemiplegia.

Prevention

It is difficult to prevent stroke and cerebral palsy in infants, so good prenatal care is essential in preventing this condition. Diabetics and those with high blood pressure and/or cholesterol are at high risk for having a stroke, as are those who are obese, smoke, don’t exercise and drink alcohol excessively.