Hemiparesis is a muscle weakness that develops in one half of the body. It may affect only the right or only the left side of the body. Weakness is seen in the muscles of the arms, legs and face on one side of the body. This one-sided weakness limits the person’s movements and negatively affects activities of daily life such as getting dressed, eating and walking.
Hemiparesis is a common condition that may occur after a stroke. The terms of hemiparesis and hemiplegia are often confused with each other. To put it simply;
- Hemiparesis may be defined as muscle weakness or partial paralysis,
- And hemiplegia may be defined as complete paralysis.
Why Does Hemiparesis Happen?
Due to stroke, some parts of the brain tissue cannot get enough oxygen and the brain cells in this part die over time. If the damaged brain tissue is related to body movement and muscle strength, loss of muscle strength may occur in the person.
What are the Symptoms of Hemiparesis?
- Only the right or the left side of the body is affected
- Muscles of the arms, legs and even the face may also be affected
- Muscle weakness is seen in the affected body half
- Tingling or numbness may be experienced in the affected body half
- Difficulty in standing afoot, balancing and walking occur
- Difficulty is seen in grasping things or doing tasks that require fine skills.
How is hemiparesis treated?
Patients who develop partial paralysis or complete paralysis due to stroke can be treated with comprehensive physical therapy and neuro-rehabilitation applications. The patient who had a stroke is transferred to a comprehensive inpatient physical therapy center as earyl as possible when they overcomes the life-threatening situation and their medical condition stabilizes.
The methods applied for the treatment of hemiparesis in neuro-rehabilitation are as follows:
- Electrical Stimulation: Appropriate electrical currents are sent to the muscles by means of pads that are placed on the weak muscles andstrengthening is ensured.
- Neuro-Rehabilitation Exercises: It is aimed to strengthen weakened muscles and normalize movement with various methods and exercises that stimulate healing in the brain.
- Ergotherapy: Patients who have difficulty in performing activities of daily living can discover new ways to perform these activities with ergotherapy.
- Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy: Induced movement therapy is a form of treatment in which the movements of the healthy side limbs are prevented and the use of the side with hemiparesis is encouraged.
- Robotic Rehabilitation: Other advanced robotic physical therapy devices, particularly the Hand-Arm Robot and Walking Robot, also increase success in the paralysis treatment.
Reference: webmd.com
