Hemiplegia is a disorder that causes paralysis or weakness on the same side of the body as a stroke or other blood vessel injury. Although it’s not always easy to tell when complications are imminent, there are some warning signs you could consider.
Warning Signs of Hemiplegia
1. Muscle Weakness or Stiffness on One Side
If you notice that you can’t lift your arm as high as it used to or that your leg is getting weaker, this could signify hemiplegia. Also, if you feel a loss of sensation on your face and a lack of feeling in your hands, this could be because the cranial nerve (the spinal accessory nerve) is damaged.
2. Muscle Cramps
Some people claim to have experienced muscle cramps, which could be because the muscles on the side where you have the hemiplegia are becoming stiff and weak. It may help to strengthen the muscles by massaging them with warm towels.
3. Difficulty Swallowing
If you are finding it hard to swallow, you may have hemiplegia. It is not uncommon for swallowing muscles to become weak and stiff in people who suffer from severe hemiplegia; however, this is fixable with specific exercises.
4. Changes in Bladder Control
It might be more challenging to control your bowels when you have hemiplegia. When you experience this, it could be because of the sympathetic nervous system’s weakness or another neurological problem.
5. Drooping of the Eyelids
If your eyelids are drooping, this could be because you are experiencing hemiplegia. When your eyes are drooping or swollen, it could also be because your body finds it challenging to control the sympathetic nervous system. Also, you might notice your vision. In most cases, your vision may appear blurry.
6. Slurred Speech
Some affected persons claimed to have slurred speech and stuttering when they spoke. This is caused by damage to the part of your brain that controls language and speech. It may also be a sign of a stroke. Moreover, if you have difficulty understanding speech, it could be a sign of hemiplegia; see a neurologist immediately.
7. Seizures
Seizures signify that a specific part of the brain is being affected. If you have episodes, it means the hemiplegia is worsening. Seizures can be caused by damage to the brain that interrupts nerve traffic.
Types of Hemiplegia
1. Facial Hemiplegia
Facial hemiplegia occurs if the part of the brain that controls the muscles in your face is injured or damaged. When this happens, you may find your eyes droop, are weak and numb, or your eyelids are stiff. Your lower face may also appear taut or sunken.
2. Maxillary Hemiplegia
Maxillary hemiplegia occurs when a nerve that supplies sensation to the upper jaw is damaged or interrupted. This causes symptoms like facial hemiplegia. Your lower and upper jaw are numb, and you may experience a clicking, popping, or locking sensation in your jaw.
3. Dorsiflexor Hemiplegia
Dorsiflexor hemiplegia is a rare form of hemiplegia that can lead to difficulty performing actions. This typically occurs when the upper spinal cord or nerves are damaged, so the affected find it hard to move their chin, legs, or toes.
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Causes of Hemiplegia
Many different problems can cause hemiplegia, and you should consult with a doctor if you notice any of these:
1. Strokes
A stroke occurs when a part of the brain is damaged. The impact causes the affected to lose the ability to control the body. You will experience slurred speech, blurred vision, muscle weakness, and cramps. These could be because of a stroke that causes hemiplegia.
2. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
A TBI occurs when the brain is damaged, and this causes the person to lose motor function on one side of the body. If the hemiplegia is on your right side, it could be because of a traumatic brain injury.
3. Inflammation of the Brain
If there is an inflammation in your brain, this could be a cause of hemiplegia. The symptoms include a stiff neck, weakness on one side of your body, and slurred speech.
4. Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
A TIA is also known as a “mini-stroke,” and occurs when blood stops flowing to part of the brain for several reasons. If you have hemiplegia, this could be because you had a TIA.
Bottom Line
Hemiplegia is a severe illness and should never be taken lightly; if you experience three or more of the listed symptoms, seek medical assistance.