Hemiplegia is total or nearly complete paralysis on one side of the body.
In contrast,hemiparesisis one-sided weakness.
Often, people with hemiplegia and hemiparesis get stronger and improve their mobility with physical therapy.
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This article explains how hemiplegia and hemiparesis overlap and, more importantly, how they differ.
It reviews symptoms and causes, as well as how these conditions are diagnosed and treated.
In addition, hemiplegia and hemiparesis can result in emotional and behavioral symptoms.
These may vary depending on which part of the brain is affected.
Causes
Muscle movement is controlled by signals sent to the body by the brain and spinal cord.
Hemiplegia and hemiparesis both result from damage to one of these parts of the body.
The milder the damage, the more likely hemiparesis will occur.
On the other hand, more significant damage results in hemiplegia.
There are several variations of paralysis.
Either may result in flaccid muscles due to underuse.
In addition,spasticitycan result in both conditions, especially in the case of degenerative diseases or stroke.
Other causes of paralysis include:
Paralysis is generally not progressive.
Why Is Only One Side of the Body Affected?
Diagnosis
Evaluation of hemiplegia and hemiparesis involves a physical exam.
Your healthcare provider will test your reflexes and muscle strength using a rubber reflex hammer.
They may also press on your limbs while you do your best to resist their efforts.
If you experience muscle weakness or paralysis, seek medical attention right away.
Sometimes, these problems are not noticeable right away.
Instead, they may develop months after you first notice weakness or paralysis.
However, usually it requires supportive treatment.
The goal of hemiplegia and hemiparesis treatment is to increase muscle strength and mobility.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapyis a first line treatment for hemiplegia and hemiparesis.
Exercise is helpful to keep joints loose and flexible.
Carefully designed therapy techniques prevent muscle atrophy (the loss or decrease of muscle mass) and spasticity.
In addition, PTs may instruct people on using mental imagery during therapy and at home.
Mental imagery in hemiplegia and hemiparesis involves imagining the affected limbs moving.
Occupational therapists may utilize modified constraint-induced movement therapy (mCIMT).
This treatment involves intensive muscle training with the upper limbs to build back function in the affected arm.
Physical therapists may also use this technique.
These are becoming more available and practical to use.
Summary
Hemiplegia and hemiparesis are related conditions that cause weakness on one side of the body.
Hemiplegia is when the weakness causes paralysis, while hemiparesis is partial weakness.
Physical and occupational therapy can sometimes help people regain some mobility.
Mobility aids and assistive technology help people remain independent and active.
A Word From Verywell
Hemiplegia and hemiparesis are difficult conditions to adjust to.
But there are steps it’s possible for you to take to make living with hemiplegia or hemiparesis easier.
Neurological illnesses that cause hemiplegia and hemiparesis are not uncommon.
Talk to your doctor about resources that can help you through your recovery.
They will be able to direct you to resources that can provide support with practical aspects of life.
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