Jason Stephens | November 26, 2024 | Personal Injury
Hemiplegia occurs when one side of the body becomes paralyzed, dramatically changing the victim’s ability to perform basic daily tasks. The condition affects a significant portion of stroke survivors, with studies indicating that anywhere from 16% to 84% of patients develop hemiplegic complications.
For stroke patients in rehabilitation units, the incidence rate ranges from 24% to 64%, while those not admitted to rehabilitation facilities exhibit rates between 9% and 40%. The condition can range from mild to severe and affects thousands of Americans each year.
Common Causes of Hemiplegia
Brain damage is the leading cause of hemiplegia, whether present from birth or acquired later in life. Birth complications or developmental issues in children can result in conditions like cerebral palsy, which may increase the likelihood of hemiplegia.
For adults, most cases relate to brain injuries from accidents, strokes that prevent blood flow to specific brain regions, or severe trauma to the spine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that about 795,000 Americans experience a stroke every year, with many developing some form of hemiplegia as a result.
Car accidents and pedestrian accidents are also frequent contributors to cases of acquired hemiplegia through traumatic brain injuries.
Symptoms and Effects of Hemiplegia
The impacts of hemiplegia vary by person but typically include:
- Partial or complete loss of movement on one side of the body
- Diminished balance and coordination
- Difficulty performing daily activities like eating or dressing
- Speech issues if facial muscles are affected
Many patients also report feeling numbness or heightened sensitivity on the affected side, which can be uncomfortable. Research shows that individuals with left-sided hemiplegia often experience more severe symptoms, particularly in cases involving shoulder pain and mobility issues.
Treatment and Recovery
The treatment for hemiplegia depends on the underlying cause. Some conditions causing hemiplegia may improve with time or respond well to specific interventions. Others, especially those involving permanent damage to the nervous system, spinal cord, or brain, tend to produce lasting effects.
The severity and location of the initial injury also serve to determine the degree of recovery expected. Since each case is unique, healthcare providers decide on the most effective approach by considering the specific causes, circumstances, and overall health history of each patient.
The most comprehensive treatment plans include the following measures:
- Targeted exercise programs
- Movement therapy focused on the affected side
- Adaptive equipment training
- Pain management techniques
- Cognitive rehabilitation in certain cases
The overseeing physician will recommend that the patient start therapy as early as possible after the initial injury or event.
Living With Hemiplegia
Living with hemiplegia requires significant adjustments on the patient’s part, forcing many to modify their homes with specialized equipment or learn new ways to perform routine tasks. The emotional impact can also be substantial, affecting both the victim and their family.
To help them cope with these changes, individuals are often encouraged to join support groups and seek counseling. Hearing others share similar experiences and seeing them successfully manage the condition can be uplifting.
The Costs of Hemiplegia
People suffering from hemiplegia are likely to face financial losses through medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and lost income. This can cause serious financial strain for the individual and their dependents.
Life After Hemiplegia
Hemiplegia changes the way victims live their daily lives, with many being forced to relearn how to do things that were once like second nature to them. With the right treatment, a supportive environment, and plenty of resilience, those with the condition can still live active and fulfilling lives.
If another person’s negligence led to the condition, it may be possible to take legal action. A qualified attorney can help hemiplegia sufferers seek damages for the expenses they’ve incurred and ensure access to necessary long-term care.
Contact Our Personal Injury Law Firm in Fort Worth, TX
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Fort Worth and need legal help, contact our Fort Worth and Weatherford personal injury lawyers at Stephens Law Personal Injury | Wrongful Death | Truck Accidents to schedule a free consultation.
Stephens Law Personal Injury | Wrongful Death | Truck Accidents
1300 S University Dr # 406
Fort Worth, TX 76107
(817) 420-7000
Stephens Law Personal Injury | Wrongful Death | Truck Accidents – Weatherford Office
109 York Ave Suite #201
Weatherford, TX 76086
(817) 409-7000