Hemiparesis

Hemiparesis is partial weakness on one side of the body. It can affect either the left or right side of the body. The weakness may involve the arms, hands, legs, face or a combination. About 80% of stroke survivors experience hemiparesis, making it one of the most common effects of a stroke.

People who have hemiparesis are still able to move the affected side of the body, but with limited strength. One side of the body may become completely weak, and this condition is called hemiplegia.

Symptoms

The most obvious symptom of hemiparesis is the partial paralysis of one side of the body. Symptoms correspond to the side of the brain or spine that has been damaged.

An injury to the left side of the brain typically results in weakness on the right side of the body. An injury to the right side of the brain typically results in weakness on the left side of the body.

Depending on the type of spine injury and the level of injury within the spine, hemiparesis may involve the same side of the body as the spine injury or may involve the opposite side.

Some symptoms of hemiparesis include the following:

• Inability to maintain balance
• Difficulty walking
• Inability to grasp objects
• Decreased precision in movement
• Muscle fatigue
• Lack of coordination
• Leaning to one side while standing, walking or sitting
• Loss of bowel or bladder control

Causes

In addition to stroke, hemiparesis can be caused by a number of other medical conditions. The most common causes of hemiparesis are the following:

• Stroke
• Multiple sclerosis
• Traumatic injury: May affect the brain, spine or nerves
• Congenital medical conditions such as cerebral palsy that are present from birth
• Spine disease
• A tumor of the brain or spine
• Infection of the brain, spine or meninges
• Psychological and psychiatric conditions (can cause temporary weakness)
• Postictal paralysis: Temporary weakness after a seizure
• Inflammatory and autoimmune conditions

Diagnosis

If you complain of any symptoms of hemiparesis, your doctor will do a physical examination. It can be difficult to determine whether your symptoms are the result of weakness, pain, or another cause.

The physical examination includes a test of your reflexes, sensation, and strength. Your doctor will rate your strength on a scale of 1-5. This rating can also help when the same doctor or other doctors assess your strength at a later time, as it can be used as a comparison.

Diagnosis of the cause of hemiparesis can also be confirmed with imaging studies, which may include the following:

• Brain or spine computerized tomography (CT) scan
• Brain or spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Treatment

Treatment of hemiparesis is first directed towards targeted treatment of the cause, whether the cause is a stroke, a brain tumor, or an infection, etc. The goal of long-term treatment of hemiparesis is to strengthen motor skills and coordination and to improve your ability to manage everyday activities.

Recovery

Physical and occupational therapy are important in the recovery of hemiparesis. Therapy may include the use of electrical stimulation to the brain, imagery, and the use of assistive devices such as a cane, walker or wheelchair.

Modifications to the home may need to be made to accommodate and help increase mobility. Some of the modifications may include:

• Grab bars
• Ramps
• Raised toilet seats
• A bench in the tub
• Non-slip adhesive strips in the bathtub
• Electric toothbrushes
• Electric razors

A Word From Verywell

Hemiparesis is a common manifestation of neurological disease. Most often affecting the arms, legs, or both, hemiparesis makes it difficult to maintain a normal level of independent daily activities, and it is one of the leading causes of disability

Stroke is the most common cause of hemiparesis, and that is why stroke prevention is an important part of healthy living that everyone should know about.