Hemiplegia Definition. What is Hemiplegia?

hemiplegia definition is simple- it means paralysis of half of the body. Hemiplegia is different from the condition hemiparesis. Hemiplegia is generally complete paralysis whereas hemiparesis is weakening of the body. Our brain is divided into two hemispheres and when one side is damaged, paralysis of the other side of the body results. Hemiplegia is not an uncommon disorder either in children or in adults.
In infants the cause(s) of hemiplegia are unknown. Many experts believe that some cases of hemiplegia may be related to pregnancy or how the infant is delivered. Perhaps a traumatic event occurs and results in brain damage. In adults, most cases of hemiplegia are acquired. This may be due to a stroke, bleeding in the brain, cancer, trauma or an infection. In adults the most common cause of hemiplegia is a stroke.
What is hemiplegia is a frequent question asked by many people. Hemiplegia definition may imply paralysis but the presentation can vary enormously. Moreover, other features of hemiplegia definition may be loss of speech, inability to swallow, urinary incontinence, memory loss, depression, or visual impairment. Some children may also have recurrent seizures or speech impediments.
After what is hemiplegia is answered, the next question people want to know is how is the disorder diagnosed.
The work up of hemiplegia usually involves blood tests and investigations like a CT scan or an MRI. Those who develop seizures may also undergo a test known as EEG which measures electrical activity in various parts of the brain.
Unfortunately the majority of cases of hemiplegia have no cure. Most people who have hemiplegia after a stroke may recover to some degree but full recovery is rare. Children who have hemiplegia can be helped by enrolling in physical therapy programs. The infant brain is still very versatile and flexible and many functions of the body can be resumed by the undamaged part of the brain. Thus, children usually undergo a multidisciplinary approach to help regain maximum function of their body.
The most important thing for parents with a hemiplegic child is to let him/her be a normal child and integrate them into society. This means allowing the child to play a sport, go to school or enroll in a hobby. Therapists can make a big impact on lives of people who have hemiplegia and thus is it important to start early rather than late.
Adults who want to prevent hemiplegia should change their life style by eating healthy, exercising on a regular basis, avoiding smoking and controlling their diabetes. Those who participate in sports should always follow safety guidelines. Hemiplegia definition may sound like an ominous medical disorder but with proper therapy, some recovery of function is possible.