Hemiparesis

What is Hemiparesis

Hemiparesis is weakness on one side of the body, such as one arm and one leg. Hemiparesis often happens after a stroke.

The weakness is usually on the side of the body that is opposite from the side of the brain that was affected by the stroke. For example, a stroke in the left side of the brain may cause hemiparesis on the right side of the body.

Hemiparesis can make it hard for you to do normal daily tasks, so you may need assistive devices. Therapy can help you maintain the strength and function of the affected side of your body.

What are the causes?

This condition may be caused by:

  • Stroke.
  • Brain injury (trauma).
  • Brain tumor.
  • A type of dementia called mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS).

What are the signs or symptoms?

Symptoms of this condition include:

  • Weakness on one side of the body.
  • Trouble doing daily activities such as dressing or bathing.
  • Loss of muscle strength on one side of the body. This may affect the arm, leg, or face.
  • Loss of balance.
  • Trouble walking.
  • Problems grabbing things or holding them.
  • Problems with coordination.
  • Pusher syndrome. This means you push toward the weaker side of your body and often lose your balance.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition may be diagnosed based on:

  • A physical exam.
  • Your medical history.
  • Imaging tests, such as CT scan or MRI.

How is this treated?

Treatment for this condition includes:

  • Physical therapy.
  • Occupational therapy. This therapy helps you to do basic daily activities.
  • Exercises done in a pool (hydrotherapy).
  • Cortical stimulation therapy. This involves stimulating your brain with electrical currents to make it work better.
  • Modified constraint-induced movement therapy (mCIMT). This therapy restricts one side of your body so that you have to use the weaker side.
  • Electrical stimulation. This involves stimulating the muscles on the weaker side of your body with small electrical pads.
  • Medicines that help stiffness and discomfort.
  • Using devices to help you move around (assistive devices), such as canes, walkers, or wheelchairs.

Follow these instructions at home:

Safety

  • Use assistive devices as instructed. Your risk of falling is higher because of hemiparesis.
  • Make changes in your home to lower your risk of falls. These may include:
    • Removing rugs and mats from the floor.
    • Removing clutter.
    • Adding rails or grab bars in bathrooms.

Activity

  • Do not drive unless your health care provider approves.
  • Do not drive or use heavy machinery while taking medicine that alters your alertness or reaction time.
  • Return to your normal activities as told by your health care provider. Ask your health care provider what activities are safe for you.
  • Ask your health care provider about getting extra help at home. You may have problems doing your normal activities, such as dressing, bathing, using the bathroom, and eating.

Lifestyle

  • Do not use any products that contain nicotine or tobacco, such as cigarettes and e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.
  • Avoid drinking alcohol.

General instructions

  • Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
  • Wear clothes and shoes that are easy to put on and take off. Try to avoid zippers and buttons.
  • Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if:

  • Your symptoms get worse and medicines do not help.
  • You have severe pain.

Get help right away if:

  • You have jerky movements that you cannot control (seizure).
  • You have trouble breathing.
  • You have chest pain.

Summary

  • Hemiparesis is weakness on one side of the body, such as one arm and one leg. This often happens after a stroke or brain injury.
  • Treatment usually includes physical and occupational therapy. Occupational therapy can help you with everyday tasks that may be difficult, such as dressing, using the bathroom, and eating.
  • Your risk of falling is higher because of hemiparesis. You may need to use a wheelchair, walker, or another assistive device. Make changes in your home to prevent falls, such as removing clutter and installing grab bars.
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