What Is Hemiplegia?
Hemiplegia is a type of paralysis that affects one side of the body, typically involving the arm, leg, and sometimes the face on the same side. While hemiplegia usually develops suddenly due to an injury or event, some individuals may experience gradual onset due to an underlying condition like Parkinson’s disease.
Hemiplegia can significantly affect your daily life, mobility, and independence. If you are living with hemiplegia after an accident, you may be entitled to pursue compensation from the at-fault party.
Jay Vaughn, our personal injury attorney, shares what you should know about this form of paralysis.
Defining Hemiplegia and Related Terms For Paralysis
The Greek “hemi-” prefix means “part” or “half,” similar to the Latin prefix “semi-.” The “-plegia” suffix means “paralysis.” Thus, hemiplegia means paralysis of half or one side of the body.
In contrast, paraplegia refers to paralysis of the lower limbs, and quadriplegia is paralysis of all four limbs.
Hemiplegia and hemiparesis are terms that are often used interchangeably. While hemiplegia refers to paralysis on one side of the body, hemiparesis refers to partial paralysis or weakness on one side. The “-paresis” suffix comes from a Greek word meaning “letting go” and it’s used to describe weakness or partial paralysis.
Causes of Hemiplegia
This type of paralysis is usually the result of damage to the brain injury or spinal cord injury, impairing communication with nerves that control muscle movement.
Brain damage is the leading cause of hemiplegia. Each hemisphere of the brain controls movement on the opposite side of the body. That means damage to the left hemisphere of the brain can affect the right side of the body.
Stroke is the most common source of brain damage. A stroke, or cerebrovascular accident (CVA), happens when blood flow to the brain is impaired or blocked. This deprives brain cells of oxygen and nutrients, leading to cell death and brain damage.
Traumatic brain injuries are another leading cause of brain damage and hemiplegia. Brain trauma from a car accident, fall, or violence can cause damage that leads to hemiparesis or hemiplegia.
While less common, a spinal cord injury (SCI) can also cause hemiplegia. An incomplete SCI or lesion on one side of the spinal cord can cause paralysis in one half of the body.
Brown-Sequard syndrome (BSS) is a rare type of SCI that can cause hemiplegia. This condition happens when damage to one side of the spinal cord causes paralysis or weakness on one side of the body but sensation loss on the other side. It can be caused by spinal tumors, compression fractures, spinal disc herniation, spinal stenosis, infection, or injury to the neck or back.
Other causes of hemiplegia may include:
- Brain tumors. Malignant or benign tumors can cause damage or put pressure on parts of the brain controlling muscle movement.
- Infection. Diseases like meningitis or encephalitis can damage brain tissue.
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS). A progressive disease where the immune system attacks the nervous system, sometimes leading to hemiplegia.
- Neurological disorders. These may include Bell’s palsy and Parkinson’s disease.
Cerebral palsy and hemiplegia are often confused, but they are separate conditions. However, hemiplegic cerebral palsy is a type of cerebral palsy that primarily affects one side of the body.
While hemiplegia is often caused by a medical condition, infection, or congenital condition, thousands of cases are caused by negligence or wrongdoing. Medical malpractice is a possible underlying cause of paralysis caused by a birth injury or anesthesia error, for instance.
Signs and Symptoms of Hemiplegia
Hemiplegia affects individuals differently depending on the location and severity of brain damage or the underlying cause.
Common symptoms include:
- Complete paralysis on one side of the body
- Weakness on one side of the body
- Stiffness or spasticity in the muscles
- Tingling sensation in affected muscles
- Poor balance and difficulty walking
- Impaired or lost fine motor skills
- Challenges with speaking or swallowing, especially if facial muscles are involved
- Chronic pain or discomfort due to limited mobility
- Pusher Syndrome is a disorder that causes someone to push away from the unaffected side of the body. This causes a tilted posture and loss of balance.
Hemiplegia can affect the entire side of the body, just one area, such as a single arm, or it may affect only the face.
A Fort Mitchell Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help With a Hemiplegia Claim
If you are living with hemiplegia from an accident, such as a car or motorcycle crash, you may be entitled to compensation. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you explore your legal options for recovering the money you need for your medical care and other losses.
Contact the Fort Mitchell Personal Injury Law Firm of HJV Car Accident Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
For more information, don’t hesitate to contact HJV Car Accident Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer in Louisville today. We have two convenient locations in Louisville and Fort Mitchell, Kentucky.
We proudly serve Jefferson County, Kenton County, and its surrounding areas:
HJV Car Accident Personal Injury Lawyers – Louisville, KY Office
600 W Main St Ste 200
Louisville, KY, 40202
(502) 540-5700
HJV Car Accident Personal Injury Lawyers – Fort Mitchell, KY Office
2380 Grandview Dr
Fort Mitchell, KY, 41017
(859) 578-4444