Hemiplegia is a special form of paralysis, which can affect the right side as well as the left side of the body. It is caused by damage to the brain, which may be from birth or following a stroke.

Hemiplegia is paralysis on one side of the body. It can concern either the left side or the right side.

This form of paralysis is caused by damage to the brain, such as a stroke. Hemiplegia can also develop at birth.

Hemiplegia is caused by damage to the brain. This damage can develop before birth or during childbirth. This is congenital hemiplegia. The exact source of such a form of hemiplegia is often unknown.

This form of paralysis can also develop following a cerebral vascular accident (stroke).

Damage to the right side of the brain leads to paralysis of the left side of the body. And vice versa.

Hemiplegia mainly affects children, especially premature babies. This disease affects nearly one child in 1 births.

Hemiplegia can affect any individual following a stroke, for example. However, babies and especially premature babies are more exposed to hemiplegic risk.

The significance of the disease is diagnosed when the child gets a little older. Functional damage, more or less important, are its characteristics: difficulty walking for example.

Frequent physiotherapy sessions allow the individual to adapt as much as possible to daily life.

The main symptoms of hemiplegia are muscle weakness and paralysis on one side of the body. The severity of the disease depends on the individual and the brain damage.

General clinical signs include:

• difficulty walking
• an imbalance depending on the affected side
• a deficiency or even a complete absence of motor skills in the arm and leg on the affected side

Since it is primarily a brain damage, other symptoms can also be associated:

• speech difficulties
• visual problems
• behavioral problems
• learning difficulties
• epileptic seizures
• delayed development and learning.

Hemiplegia cannot be treated. Only the management of clinical signs and symptoms can improve the quality of life of hemiplegic patients.

Physiotherapy can be of undeniable help in the management of hemiplegia, particularly in children.