WGK Personal Injury Lawyers | March 31, 2025 | Personal Injury
The medical term “hemiplegia” refers to paralysis on one side of the body. The severity of hemiplegia symptoms depends on the extent and location of the injury, but they may include severe weakness, stiffness, and numbness in a limb, on one side of the face, or in the entire left or right side of the body.
When the condition arises within the first two years of life, it’s called “congenital hemiplegia.” When it is the result of an accident or injury, it’s known as “acquired hemiplegia.”
Hemiplegia is often debilitating, and people who live with this condition may require ongoing multidisciplinary care that includes mental health therapy and physical therapy. With the right medical care, many symptoms can improve, although there is no established cure. However, it is non-progressive, which means that symptoms don’t worsen with time.
What Causes Hemiplegia?
Stroke is the most common cause of hemiplegia. A stroke may occur when the brain doesn’t receive proper blood flow. Brain cells die when they are deprived of oxygen. Hypertension, smoking, diabetes, and high cholesterol are among the most common causes of stroke, but this condition can also be caused by blunt trauma.
For example, an auto accident victim may have an ischemic stroke if they experience injury to a vertebral or extracranial carotid artery. Because the victim may have also suffered orthopedic, internal, and head injuries, the recovery can be even more difficult.
While stroke is the most common cause of hemiplegia, it is not the only one.
Brain Trauma (Concussion)
A sudden impact to the head may also lead to hemiplegia. A slip and fall accident or accident at work can be severe enough to cause a traumatic brain injury. If the injury affects only one side of the brain, there is a risk that hemiplegia may develop.
Brain Infection
If a brain infection is medically mistreated or becomes serious enough, it may damage one side of the brain and lead to hemiplegia. Bacterial meningitis, encephalitis, transverse myelitis, and cerebral abscess are the most common types of neurological infections. A cerebral abscess is a rare but possible complication of surgery or a piercing head wound.
Spinal Cord Injury
Spinal hemiplegia is also known as “Brown-Séquard syndrome.” It can occur if the spinal cord is damaged on one side. This may lead to a loss of muscle control and sensation on that side of the body. There are many causes of spinal cord injuries, including sports impacts, auto accidents, or falls from a high place.
What Is Hemiplegia Vs. Hemiparesis?
Hemiplegia and hemiparesis are similar conditions and can result from similar causes. The terms are often used interchangeably, but they are used to describe different levels of severity. Hemiparesis is a mild to moderate weakness that affects one side of the body. Hemiplegia is more severe, often involving complete paralysis in at least one area.
Treatments for Hemiplegia
Hemiplegia is a permanent condition, but it is possible to see improvements with rehabilitation. Therapies may focus on maintaining strength and learning new ways to accomplish daily activities.
The main forms of support include:
- Physical therapy to focus on balance, standing, and walking
- Medication to manage symptoms like spasticity
- Occupational therapy to focus on hand and arm function
- Mental health therapy to treat related conditions, such as depression
- Resources to help hemiplegia patients return to work or apply for disability benefits
Rehabilitation therapists play a vital role in developing exercise programs for hemiplegia patients. They can help people living with hemiplegia build strength and flexibility in functioning muscles in order to maintain a higher quality of life.
Living With Hemiplegia
Hemiplegia is a serious condition that requires ongoing medical care, perhaps for a lifetime. It can lead to disability, and the medical bills associated with hemiplegia could be financially devastating. If their injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, a person with hemiplegia may be entitled to financial compensation.
Contact the Baltimore Personal Injury Law Firm of WGK Personal Injury Lawyers Today For Help
For more information contact the Baltimore personal injury law firm of WGK Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation.
WGK Personal Injury Lawyers
14 W Madison St, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States
(410) 837-2144
WGK Personal Injury Lawyers – Dundalk Office
7329 Holabird Ave Suite 3, Dundalk, MD 21222
By appointment only
(410) 970-3080