Hemiplegia causes weakness or loss of control on one side of the body. This condition can affect the face, arm, and leg on either the left or right side. People with hemiplegia often struggle with movement, balance, and daily tasks. They may also lose the ability to speak or show emotion through facial expressions.
This condition often results from damage to one side of the brain. A stroke, head injury, or infection can cause this damage. Some children develop hemiplegia due to cerebral palsy.
How Hemiplegia Affects the Body
Hemiplegia affects motor control on one side. The affected side may become weak, stiff, or paralyzed. Some people lose full control of their limbs. Others may keep some strength but struggle with precise movement.
Muscle tightness often leads to discomfort and difficulty with posture or walking. Facial muscles can also suffer. A person may lose the ability to smile or speak clearly. Food may fall from one side of the mouth.
Vision and hearing may also change. Many people need help to dress, cook, or perform other daily tasks.
Hemiplegia affects more than the body. Frustration often builds. Many people develop fear, sadness, or anger after the loss of independence. These emotional effects create extra pressure during recovery.
Doctors often recommend physical and occupational therapy. These services can improve strength, balance, and coordination. Recovery depends on early treatment, repetition, and support.
Causes of Hemiplegia
Strokes cause most cases of hemiplegia. A stroke cuts off blood to the brain. Without oxygen, brain cells die. If the stroke affects the motor control center, it can lead to permanent damage.
Head trauma also causes hemiplegia. A car crash or fall may damage brain tissue. Infections like meningitis or encephalitis may lead to inflammation that harms the brain. Some tumors press against areas that control movement.
Children may develop hemiplegia due to cerebral palsy. This brain condition often starts before or during birth. It can cause delayed movement or one-sided weakness in infancy.
Rare disorders may cause hemiplegia to come and go. One example is alternating hemiplegia of childhood. These episodes often confuse parents and doctors before a diagnosis takes shape.
Doctors must find the root cause to treat hemiplegia properly. Scans and tests help rule out other conditions and guide treatment.
Differences Between Hemiplegia and Paralysis
Hemiplegia affects only one side of the body. Paralysis may affect any part. A person with full paralysis cannot move certain muscles at all.
Hemiplegia often includes partial control or tightness rather than full loss. Paralysis often comes from damage to the spinal cord or nerves. Hemiplegia comes from brain damage.
Another condition called hemiparesis also affects one side. But hemiparesis causes weakness, not full paralysis. Doctors use exams to test strength, reflexes, and coordination to sort out these conditions.
Injury Claims That May Apply
Some people develop hemiplegia due to preventable harm. A delayed stroke diagnosis, a surgical error, or poor treatment may cause brain damage. In those cases, the law may allow a claim for compensation.
Car crashes, falls, or violent attacks may also lead to brain injuries. If someone else caused the injury, the injured person may seek economic and non-economic damages. Personal injury claims often cover medical bills, missed wages, and long-term care.
Contact the Santa Ana Personal Injury Attorneys at Robles Babaee Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
If hemiplegia followed an accident or medical mistake, you should speak with a lawyer. We can review your case, gather records, and explain your rights under state law. A consultation costs nothing and provides answers.
You do not need to face this alone. We handle the legal work. You focus on care and healing. For more information, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at Robles Babaee Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.
Robles Babaee, Personal Injury Lawyers
1851 E 1st St Suite 810, Santa Ana, CA 92705
(714) 263-3700