Hemiplegia versus Hemiparesis After a Stroke

Hemiplegia and hemiparesis are two terms that get thrown around a ton when talking about stroke. They are often times used interchangeably however, they have two different meanings. With that being said, I wanted to clear up any confusion on these two terms as well as explain a little bit about how this effects someone’s ability to move after a stroke.

What is hemiparesis?

Hemiplegia is mild weakness or mild loss of function on one half of the body

What is hemiplegia?

Hemiparesis is severe weakness or complete loss of function on one side of the body

What causes hemiplegia and hemiparesis?

The brain and spinal cord (together) is the main “hub” that pretty much controls every function of the body.

Each area of the brain being responsible for a different function.

The spinal cord does two things. One it carries messages from the brain to the rest of the body. The second responsibility of the spinal cord is to serve as a “local” controller.  In other words, the spinal cord is responsible for any function that needs to happen quickly.  One example of this are reflexes. The spinal cord must sense danger (a hot stove) and respond quickly by pulling the arm away. A function such as this is done by the spinal cord.

With all that being said, any damage to the brain or the spinal cord will cause a loss of body function. Now, the brain is divided up into right and left hemispheres. The right hemisphere controls the left side of the body and the left hemisphere controls the right side of the body. Hemiparesis and hemiplegia are caused by damage to one side of the brain or the body.

The most common cause of hemiparesis and hemiplegia is stroke. However, there are other conditions that can effect one side of the brain or spinal cord.

• Multiple sclerosis – if a lesion occurs on one side of the brain and not the other
• Cerebral palsy
• Traumatic brain injury
• Polio and post polio syndrome
• Muscular dystrophy
• Brain infection (encephalitis)

What are the symptoms of hemiparesis?

Hemiparesis is mild weakness or impairment on one side of the body. Symptoms may include:

• mild hand weakness
• mild leg weakness
• difficulty walking
• pain or abnormal sensation
• hemianopsia: loss of vision or impaired vision in one eye

What are the symptoms of hemiplegia?

Symptoms of hemiplegia are more severe and is the complete loss of function on one side of the body.

• difficulty swallowing
• difficulty breathing
• difficulty speaking
• impaired bladder and bowel function
• the inability to control one side of the body

What is the treatment for hemiparesis and hemiplegia?

Hemiparesis and hemiplegia are symptoms of a serious medical condition. So the first step in treatment is to get the bigger medical condition under control. Once someone is medically stable, now you can start addressing the symptoms of hemiplegia.

Physical Therapy – Physical therapy will help to restore motor control (movement). A physical therapist will also assist in mobility training (walking, standing, getting in and out of bed..etc)

Occupational Therapy – Occupational therapy will help with relearning activities of daily living (dressing, bathing, grooming..etc).

Adaptive Equipment – Sometimes some adaptive equipment can help to give your more independence with activities of daily living. A therapist might also recommend a device to help with walking.

Bracing – Bracing is sometimes necessary to help with something such as foot drop