Hemiplegia

Depending on the location of the damage in the brain, it is the paralysis (inability to move) of the arm, leg, and sometimes facial muscles on either the right or left vertical axis of the body.

In hemiplegia, there is total paralysis (no movement at all) on that half of the body. In hemiparesis, the muscles are not completely non-functional; there is partial weakness or reduced strength on that side.

Motor nerve fibers in the brain cross over (to the opposite side) at the level of the brainstem. Therefore, a stroke on the right side of the brain paralyzes the left side of the body, and a stroke on the left side paralyzes the right side.

Besides physical paralysis, speech and comprehension disorders (aphasia) are very common, especially in left brain damage; in right brain damage, neglecting the paralyzed side, memory loss, and swallowing difficulties are frequently seen.

Once brain cells die, they do not regenerate, but healthy areas of the brain can learn to take over the functions of the paralyzed areas (neuroplasticity). With regular physical therapy started early, movement can be restored to paralyzed limbs.

First, the acute condition causing the paralysis (such as a blocked artery) is treated with medication or surgery. As soon as the patient's vital functions stabilize, intensive exercises, electrical stimulation, and robotic rehabilitation are initiated with physiotherapists to prevent muscle wasting and restore walking/grasping functions.