Hemiplegia vs hemiparesis

Stroke Recovery Tips

November 19, 2023

What’s hemiplegia and hemiparesis?

Many individuals confuse these two medical terms because they’re very similar and each can occur after a stroke.

Difference between hemiplegia and hemiparesis

Hemiplegia refers to finish paralysis, while hemiparesis refers to partial weakness. Each terms check with a single-sided final result referred to as a “hemi”. Nonetheless, -plegia refers to paralysis while -paresis refers to muscle weakness.

What could cause hemiplegia and hemiparesis?

Most frequently, hemiparesis and hemiplegia are brought on by a stroke. A stroke occurs when there’s a blockage or bleeding within the brain, obstructing blood flow on one side of the brain and resulting in hemiplegia and/or hemiparesis on one side of the body.

If the damage was extensive and sophisticated, the result would most definitely be hemiplegia (paralysis), while hemiparesis (muscle weakness) may occur if the damage was less severe. Symptoms of hemiplegia and hemiparesis often depend upon the situation and severity of the stroke.

Each hemiplegia and hemiparesis have the identical cause: impaired communication between the brain and muscles. Our brains control how our bodies move. Due to this fact, when a stroke occurs, the results are disruption of nerve connections, blood flow and oxygen between the brain and muscles. This often results in muscle weakness and potential body paralysis.

Other causes of hemiplegia and hemiparesis may include (1):

What are the danger aspects for hemiplegia and/or hemiparesis?

Muscle weakness or paralysis on one side of the body could cause disruption in on a regular basis functioning. Moreover, the occurrence of those unwanted side effects may result in increased falls, injuries, decreased walking speed, decreased energy, and challenges in performing day by day activities. For instance, should you suffer from hemiplegia or hemiparesis, you might experience greater difficulty dressing, cleansing, cooking, or performing self-care activities. You might find that you just need assistance doing belongings you previously did on your personal.

|| Discover about sorts of strokes which can cause hemiparesis and hemiplegia.

How can hemiparesis and hemiplegia affect your day by day life?

Muscle weakness and paralysis can interfere with day by day activities, which will be frustrating. Living with hemiparesis and hemiplegia may affect the way in which you perform self-care activities akin to bathing/showering, dressing and using the bathroom. These steps may take you longer to finish and you might must ask your care partner for help.

Some activities would require more energy than before the stroke. Nonetheless, there could also be some activities that you’ll not have the ability to do in any respect on account of hemiplegia and hemiparesis. Consult with your care partner about your stroke recovery needs and desires. They’ll make it easier to with on a regular basis activities.

Complications of living with hemiparesis and hemiplegia

Some secondary complications of hemiparesis and hemiplegia may include:

How are hemiparesis and hemiplegia diagnosed?

Your doctor will perform various assessments to learn how severe your hemiplegia or hemiparesis is. First, your doctor will perform a physical examination, which incorporates testing your reflexes and muscle strength. As well as, your doctor may use imaging tests to find out the situation and severity of hemiplegia and hemiparesis.

Some imaging tests may include:

Roentgen
Computed tomography (CT scan)
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Myelography
Electromyography (EMG)
Nerve conduction study (NCS)

Some sensory tests may include (10):

Possibility of localization of touch
Distinguishing between heat and cold
Sharp and blunt discrimination
Two-point discrimination
Bilateral Simultaneous (sensory neglect tests)
Joint Position Sense (tests the direction of movement of a joint/body part)

How can hemiparesis and hemiplegia be treated?

The goal of treatment for hemiplegia and hemiparesis is to extend muscle strength, mobility and restore function. Although muscle weakness and impaired coordination may improve on their very own over time, formal rehabilitation to regain strength is commonly really helpful to optimize performance and overall safety. Rehabilitation treatments include physical, occupational and speech therapy. Rehabilitation after hemiparesis or hemiplegia is commonly called neurorehabilitation.

|| Discover more about Adaptive equipment for people after stroke

Coping with hemiparesis and hemiplegia

You’ll be able to live your best life possible, even with hemiplegia and/or hemiparesis. Hemiplegia and/or hemiparesis doesn’t stop you from leading a successful life. Although hemiplegia and hemiparesis could make on a regular basis life difficult, an efficient recovery plan might help. Keep an open mind and talk to your care partner and your healthcare team any concerns or questions you could have. That is stroke recovery and you’re on top of things.

Should you experience hemiplegia or hemiparesis, you possibly can make lifestyle changes to live the very best life possible:

Be energetic as best you possibly can
Integrate devices and assistive technology into your property environment and lifestyle as needed
Follow the recommendation of your doctor and medical team. Engage in training techniques that optimize the brain-limb connection to construct latest neural pathways.
Eat a healthy eating regimen
Become involved in social or support groups

If you may have any questions or concerns about your stroke recovery, please contact your doctor and team. They’ll offer you information you might need. Connect with other stroke survivors by joining a support group. One support organization, A Stroke Family Warmline, connects stroke survivors and their families with a team member who can provide support, helpful information and a listening ear.

The Stroke Family Helpline connects stroke survivors and their families with an American Stroke Association team member who can provide support, helpful information, or a listening ear.

The Stroke Family Hotline Number: 1-888-4-STROKE (1-888-478-7653). Website: Helpline for stroke families (5)

Living with hemiplegia and hemiparesis

Some stroke survivors and care partners confuse the terms hemiplegia and hemiparesis. Each are sequelae of a stroke, however the severity, type and placement of the stroke will determine whether you might experience hemiplegia or hemiparesis.

The perfect sort of therapy could also be to attach with other stroke survivors. You’ll have the ability to bond and connect with others. Hemiplegia or hemiparesis is a serious and sophisticated condition. You’ll be able to enjoy the very best quality of life with an amazing support team in your side. Make certain you support yourself and your stroke rehabilitation needs.

Living with hemiparesis and hemiplegia will be complicated and frustrating, but with the appropriate strategies and tools you possibly can live a successful life. Using best practices in rehabilitation treatment can make it easier to regain your life. Should you need more equipment or feel you will not be using your full potential, tell your loved ones and healthcare team. Do not forget that you’re on top of things and could have recommendations that may significantly improve the end result of your recovery.

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