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Hemiplegia is a neurological disorder in which there is paralysis on one side of the body and that can happen as a result of cerebral palsy, infectious diseases that affect the nervous system or stroke, which is the main cause of hemiplegia in adults.
As a result of paralysis on one side of the body, it is possible to notice difficulty walking, sitting and, in some cases, speaking. Although hemiplegia is not fully reversible, it is important that the treatment indicated by the neurologist and physiotherapist be started as soon as possible, as this way it is possible to improve the person's quality of life.
Main causes
Hemiplegia can be caused by brain damage, such as, for example, hemorrhage, congestion or embolism, and can also appear as a symptom of atherosclerosis or after a stroke, which is the main cause in adults. Learn how to identify stroke.
In the case of children, hemiplegia is often related to meningitis or other infectious diseases that compromise the nervous system, however cerebral palsy and consequently hemiplegia can also occur due to severe dehydration. In addition, hemiplegia in children can also be a consequence of complications in pregnancy, being then known as congenital hemiplegia.
Hemiplegia symptoms
Symptoms of hemiplegia are related to neurological changes that lead to paralysis on one side of the body, which can be characterized by joint pain, decreased sensitivity on the affected side of the body and difficulty in performing some movements. In addition, symptoms may vary according to the side of the brain affected, however, in general, the signs and symptoms of hemiplegia are:
- Affected side of the contracted face, leaving the mouth crooked and difficulty opening and closing the eyes;
- Difficulty in arm and leg movements on the side affected by the "stroke";
- Spasticity or stiffness, where the arm tends to shrink and the leg tends to be very stiff and it is difficult to bend the knee;
- Difficulty in initiating movements with the affected arm and leg;
- Changes in posture, especially scoliosis;
- Difficulty in orienting yourself in relation to the environment;
- He does not dress starting with the affected side;
- Difficulty with numbers, being difficult to do accounts, for example.
- Difficulty in distinguishing the right side from the left in itself and in others;
- Difficulty remembering what you were going to do;
- Difficulty in planning or executing tasks.
These changes may not all be present in the person, as it depends on the severity of the injury and its recovery. Cerebral palsy is progressive, although symptoms can range from almost imperceptible to severe spasticity (stiffness), in all forms speech can be difficult to understand due to the difficulty in controlling the muscles related to the pronunciation of words. Understand what spasticity is.
It is important that as soon as the first indicative signs of hemiplegia are noticed, the neurologist is consulted, as it is thus possible that an assessment is made, based on the symptoms presented and the result of imaging tests, so that the diagnosis is concluded and the cause is identified hemiplegia, so that the most appropriate treatment can be started in order to improve the person's quality of life.
How the treatment is done
The treatment of hemiplegia is done with the objective of improving the person's quality of life, with rehabilitation usually being performed with functional therapy and physiotherapy, especially since it improves the facial aspect, the mobility of the limbs and gives more independence for the person to carry out their activities daily. Learn how physical therapy for hemiplegia is performed.
In some cases, the use of botulinum toxin is indicated as a way to decrease spasticity and improve the person's ability to move, but not everyone is indicated for such treatment. As a rule, treatment for hemiplegia begins with the specific treatment of the cause of hemiplegia, such as stroke or meningitis, for example, and is complemented with physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, hydrotherapy and, sometimes, physical activity performed individual with a specialized physical educator.
Surgery is performed only in the last case, when the person has muscle contractures, and is done by cutting some ligaments to relieve contractures.