Hemiparesis: types, symptoms, causes and treatment

The central nervous system is a biological structure that is responsible for perceiving stimuli from the outside world, processing this information and transmit the impulses to nerves and muscles, making these allow the person to perform all kinds of movements.

But when something interferes with the proper functioning of this system, carrying out any body movement can become really complicated. One of these special conditions in which the person is limited in their ability to move is hemiparesis, in which the subject sees his body mobility reduced only in one half of his body.

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What is hemiparesis?

Hemiparesis is not defined as a disease, but rather as a neurological condition of varying causes that makes it difficult to move one half of the body. Specifically, hemiparesis refers to decreased motor strength or partial paralysis that affects an arm and a leg on the same side of the body.

This decrease in movement does not constitute paralysis, and is considered a lower degree than hemiplegia, which does produce total paralysis. When this decrease in movement affects the head and face, it may not be too obvious.

Types of hemiparesis

Hemiparesis can be grouped into different types according to the causes of appearance, so There are different types according to the degree of muscle weakness and its causes.

1. Right-sided hemiparesis

This hemiparesis is caused by an injury to the left hemisphere of the brain, so the person will see their muscle mobility on the right side of their body diminished.

2. Left-sided hemiparesis

When brain injury occurs in the right hemisphere, it is the left side of the body that is affected by this decrease in muscle mobility.

3. Infantile hemiparesis

Infantile hemiparesis is that which affects infants or young children, and is usually caused by problems in the spinal cord or by brain damage from birth.

Causes

As mentioned in the previous point, the causes of hemiparesis are varied. The particular muscle weakness can be caused by injuries to the spinal cord affecting the nerves that supply the muscles and causing muscle weakness.

This spinal cord damage includes injuries caused by trauma, such as that from a car accident. Similarly, diseases such as multiple sclerosis and some types of cancer can also cause spinal cord injuries that interfere with nerve activity.

Brain damage can also lead to a decline in muscle strength, with stroke being one of the most common reasons that a person may suffer from hemiparesis. In addition, this muscle weakness is one of the main signs that a person is going to suffer a ictus.

Diagnosis

When a patient comes to the health center with hemiparesis, the first step is to determine the germ of muscle weakness. To accurately detect the location of the lesion, medical imaging studies are necessary; Likewise, an interview with the patient is necessary to collect information and thus prepare a clinical history in order to identify the most obvious risk factors.

Treatment

To stop the effects of hemiparesis and reduce the consequences that these have on the body, it is essential to solve and / or treat the affected part that has caused it. In this way, as a rebound effect, it should be improved and even fixed.

Another very common intervention with notable positive results is physical treatment through physical therapy exercises., in which the areas that have been affected by this decrease in mobility are forced to work and move directly.

With this treatment the patient restores the control he has over his muscles, strengthens his muscle mass and his motor capacity. The person affected by hemiparesis can also use the help of devices, such as walkers or orthopedic devices, to help complement the treatment; and that they support the execution of their daily activities and to move the affected area with greater and better development of the activity.

There is no minimum time limit for partial or total recovery from hemiparesis, since recovery depends on the intensity of the treatment being carried out, the degree of muscle weakness or the causes that have led to the affectation.

Usually, hemiparesis can be completely solved, leaving, at most, minor sequelae that can be perfectly harmonized with the patient's normal rhythm of life.

The Bobath Concept

One of the possible treatments for hemiparesis is the Bobath Concept through physical therapy and occupational therapy.

The Bobath Concept refers to a therapeutic approach focused on problem solving in the evaluation and treatment of patient with disorders or problems of function, postural control and movement, due to lesions of the nervous system central; including here hemiparesis.

This is a therapy that is based on the ability of the brain to reorganize itself from sensory stimuli peripherals, seeking that intact brain areas compensate for the functions that were performed by parts of the brain injured.

The main attraction of the Bobath Concept is to promote the functioning of the affected side of the body both as necessary, and thus adapt their movements in a manner consonant with the less affected side of the body; seeking to balance the body in terms of functionality and mobility.

Another characteristic essence of this method is the modification of abnormal movement patterns resulting from one's own injury, facilitating activity in a functional way and following the milestones of the neurophysiological neurodevelopment of the person.

Another point in favor of the Bobath Concept is that it does not require strict treatment regimens that must be followed rigorously, but rather supplies the person with elements that can be applied according to individual needs and responses, thus involving the patient in their own recovery.