Hemiplegia

Hemiplegia is paralysis or significant weakening of the motor function of the muscles of one half of the body (arms and legs). This condition is caused by damage to the motor centers of the brain located in the opposite hemisphere.

Causes of hemiplegia:

1. Stroke is the most common cause of hemiplegia. Occurs due to a disruption in the blood supply to the area of ​​the brain that controls movement.

2. Traumatic brain injury is damage to the brain resulting from a blow or other impact.

3. Brain tumors - tumor pressure on certain areas of the brain.

4. Infections - encephalitis, meningitis.

5. Congenital disorders of brain development.

Symptoms:

1. Weakness or paralysis of muscles on one side of the body. The arm and leg are most often affected.

2. Loss of sensation on the affected side.

3. Difficulty speaking, swallowing.

4. Cognitive impairment.

Diagnosis is based on an analysis of symptoms, MRI and CT scans of the brain. Treatment includes drug therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. With timely treatment, motor functions can be restored.

Hemiplegia - what is it?

Hemiplegia is a violation of the motor function of one side of the body due to damage to the brain or spinal cord or peripheral nerves. Unilateral paralysis can occur as a result of injury, stroke, or various diseases. Most often the limbs are affected, less often - the facial muscles, vision and hearing, speech, intelligence and other functions.

In most cases, the ability to control movements of the other side of the body and limbs is preserved. Most characteristic of hemiparesis is unilateral damage to the small muscles of the hand and a decrease in the strength of its grip. The large muscles of the arms are much less often affected. Motor disorders are expressed in a decrease in the volume and amplitude of movements and a slowdown in their pace.

In approximately 60% of cases, central hemiparalysis (central hemiplegia) occurs. Damage occurs to the lower part of the brain stem, as well as to the cerebral cortex on the side of the lesion. In this case, the innervation of the muscles of the trunk, neck and shoulder girdle is disrupted (the arms are predominantly least affected). As a result, hemihyperkinesia and paralysis occur, resulting from disturbances of both voluntary and involuntary movements. Central hemiparalysis is most often caused by injuries to brain tissue or its infectious processes. Paracentral hemipletus (paracentral lower part of the brain) occurs when there is damage to the blood vessels, cervical or cervical-occipital spine (cervical brain injury). Peripheral hemipass (less commonly) develops as a result of strokes of the vascular system, which occurs due to blockage of a vessel by a thrombus. In this case, intact nerve roots do not affect this half of the body. It also does not matter which part of the brain is damaged (upper or lower). Impaired hand functioning occurs in the following diseases: polio, stroke, syringomyelia, brain tumors, meningoencephalitis