What is the difference between hemiplegia and paraplegia

Hemiparesis is characterized by weakness on one side of the body. A person with hemiparesis might not be able to move their arm, or may feel tingling or other odd sensations on just one side. Hemiplegia is paralysis on one side of the body. Though stereotypes of paralysis suggest that paralysis completely removes the ability to move, the reality is a bit more complicated.

People with paralysis may retain some sensation, and the degree to which they are paralyzed can change over time. Thus it can be hard to establish a clear line that separates hemiparesis and hemiplegia, particularly in the case of mild hemiplegia and severe hemiparesis.

Though hemiparesis and hemiplegia produce different symptoms, they are substantially similar in cause and treatment. To treat either condition, a doctor will first look at what caused the symptoms. When an infection, growth, or other medical issue causes symptoms, a doctor may first address these symptoms. When a stroke is the culprit, the stroke itself cannot be reversed, but a number of treatments may help restore some or all functioning:.

Hemiparesis and hemiplegia are both inherently unpredictable, with symptoms that may change over time. Prompt intervention, including extensive physical therapy, can substantially improve the chances of a full recovery.

Every patient is different, but there is no way to conclusively predict the prognosis of these disorders. Some people spontaneously recover, even with no treatment. Others make little progress, even with extensive treatment. In general, however, the more aggressively a patient works to recover some functionality, the more likely a full or partial recovery becomes. Reach out to the spinalcord.

Leave a Comment. Spinal cord injuries are traumatic for patients and their families. They cause disruptive changes to every aspect of your life and there is a lot of new information to navigate and understand.

Our experts have collected everything in one place to help you learn more about your injury, locate doctors and treatment centers, find financial support, and get assistance navigating your next move. Right Hemiparesis vs Left Hemiparesis As the name implies, right hemiparesis is weakness on the right side of the body, while left hemiparesis is weakness on the left side of the body. Telltale signs include: Difficulties with motor skills, particularly standing.

Weakness in large areas on one side of the body. For example, a patient might be unable to lift his or her arms. Pusher syndrome: a common byproduct of traumatic brain injuries, pusher syndrome causes a person with hemiparesis to shift their weight to the affected side, thereby undermining motor skills and making walking difficult and potentially painful.

Doctors use a scale to assess the severity of pusher syndrome. This scale can help doctors make accurate prognostications, in addition to identifying the cause of symptoms.

Strain on the unaffected side of the body, which may overcompensate for injuries on the hemiparetic side. Unusual sensations or tingling on the affected side.

Hemiplegia Definition Where hemiparesis indicates weakness on one side of the body, hemiplegia indicates partial or total paralysis instead. Right Hemiplegia vs Left Hemiplegia Left hemiplegia is the paralysis of limbs on the left side of the body, while right hemiplegia indicates paralysis on the right side of the body. Symptoms of Hemiplegia Paralysis can change over time , and not all people with hemiplegia are completely immobilized or suffer a complete loss of sensation on the affected side.

Symptoms of hemiplegia include: Difficulty moving, or the inability to move, one side of the body. Difficulty with bowel or bladder control. Changes or loss in sensation on one side of the body. Keeping one hand in a fist. Difficulty swallowing or with speech.

Breathing difficulties. Hemiparesis and Hemiplegia Causes There are a number of conditions that can cause hemiparesis or hemiplegia. Hemiparesis vs Hemiplegia Hemiparesis and hemiplegia are part of the same continuum of central nervous system injuries. Treatment for Hemiparesis and Hemiplegia Though hemiparesis and hemiplegia produce different symptoms, they are substantially similar in cause and treatment. When a stroke is the culprit, the stroke itself cannot be reversed, but a number of treatments may help restore some or all functioning: Physical, occupational, or exercise therapy to restore functioning and help the brain work around the injury.

Assistive devices such as walkers or wheelchairs. Occupational therapy to support independence. Psychotherapy to address the psychological impact of a severe injury. Alternative treatments such as acupuncture and dietary changes. Prognosis for Hemiparesis and Hemiplegia Hemiparesis and hemiplegia are both inherently unpredictable, with symptoms that may change over time.

Sources What is hemiplegia? What is Hemiplegia. Epilepsy Society. Accessed May 11, An important fact to be emphasized is that the legs of a paraplegic patient are usually healthy and the pathology lies in either the brain or the spinal cord which fails to control the legs appropriately. Paraplegia caused by some conditions can be transient. Therefore, it is not a wise action to make a diagnosis of paraplegia immediately after an injury. Figure Special equipment that helps the differently abled people to live a normal life.

Similar to paraplegia, in quadriplegia also the limbs are usually healthy, and the problem lies in the central nervous system. Paralysis of one side of the body is known as hemiplegia. Since the contralateral side of the brain is responsible for the controlling of one side of the body, hemiplegia is most often due to damage to one cerebral hemisphere of the brain. Time taken for the development of hemiplegia varies according to the underlying cause. Paraplegia, quadriplegia, and hemiplegia refer to a set of disease conditions characterized by paralysis of various regions of the body.

In paraplegia lower extremities below the waist are paralyzed. In quadriplegia, the patient loses control over all four limbs. Hemiplegia, is when only one side of the body gets paralyzed.

This is the difference between paraplegia, quadriplegia, and hemiplegia. You can download PDF version of this article and use it for offline purposes as per citation note.

Kumar, Parveen J. Edinburgh: W. Saunders, Ranidu is passionate about writing articles on medical topics in general parlance. His experience in communicating with the general public during his medical practice has enabled him to describe facts that a layman has to know about a particular disorder in a concise and understandable manner. Your email address will not be published. Figure A Spastic Hand.