HEMIPLEGIA is a condition caused by brain damage or spinal cord injury that leads to paralysis on one side of the body. It causes weakness, problems with muscle control, and muscle stiffness. The degree of hemiplegia symptoms vary depending on the location and extent of the injury.

HOMOEOPATHIC TREATMENT FOR HEMIPLEGIA

Homoeopathy cannot cure hemiplegia, but well selected homoeopathic medicines can improve the state of the patient and overall health of the individual. Homoeopathic medicines for hemiplegia offer supportive treatment. Homoeopathy offers a wide range of medicines obtained from natural plant sources to treat paralysis. The extent of recovery varies from person to person. The earlier the medicines are started, the higher are the chances of a positive outcome. Natural medicines for paralysis are safe for long term use and have no associated adverse side effects. Homoeopathic medicines improve the state of the condition and provide tone and strength to the muscles to some extent. There are several remedies available to treat hemiplegia that can be selected on the basis of individualisation and symptom similarity. For individualized remedy selection and treatment, the patient should consult a qualified Homoeopathic doctor.

KNOW YOUR DISEASE

There are dozens of conditions and circumstances that can cause hemiplegia. Some of the most common causes include.

• Strokes or transient ischemic attacks (TIAs).
• Aneurysms and hemorrhages inside of your brain.
• Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
• Spinal cord injuries.
• Injuries you experience during birth or very early childhood, causing conditions like hemiplegic cerebral palsy.
• Congenital conditions (which you have when you’re born) such as alternating hemiplegia of childhood.
• Facial paralysis conditions like Bell’s palsy.
• Seizures and epilepsy.
• Bleeding in between your brain and its outer layers (subdural hematomas or subarachnoid hemorrhages) or between your skull and your brain’s outer membrane (epidural hematomas).
• Brain tumors (including cancers).
• Nervous system diseases, especially autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, such as multiple sclerosis or progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML).
• Infections that affect your nervous system, like encephalitis, meningitis or Ramsay Hunt syndrome.
• Migraine headaches (when these involve hemiplegia, they’re known as hemiplegic migraines).

PREVENTION OF HEMIPLEGIA

Hemiplegia often happens unpredictably. Because of that, there’s no way to prevent it entirely. However, you can reduce your risk of it by avoiding conditions or circumstances that can cause hemiplegia. Some steps you can take include:

• Eat a balanced diet and maintain a weight that’s healthy for you. Many conditions related to your circulatory and heart health, especially stroke, can cause brain damage that leads to hemiplegia. Preventing stroke and similar conditions is a key way to reduce your risk of developing hemiplegia.
• Manage your health conditions. Chronic conditions like Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and epilepsy can raise your risk for conditions or injuries that could cause hemiplegia. Managing these conditions is essential to lowering your risk of developing this symptom. Managing conditions that can cause incremental damage to your brain or spinal cord over time, such as multiple sclerosis, is also crucial.
• Don’t ignore infections. Infections, especially ones that affect your eyes and ears, can cause hemiplegia if they spread to your brain. Getting prompt treatment for infections and then following treatment guidelines as closely as possible can reduce your risk of this happening.
• Wear safety equipment. Protective gear, especially helmets and safety restraints (such as seat belts), can help you avoid head, neck and back injuries that could lead to hemiplegia.

ARE REHABILITATION AND EXERCISE USEFUL TO TREAT HEMIPLEGIA?

When hemiplegia isn’t temporary, doctor often recommend rehabilitation in addition to other treatments. Rehabilitation can take place in a hospital (inpatient rehabilitation), clinic or office (outpatient rehabilitation), or at home. Rehabilitation generally includes.

• Physical therapy. Focused on leg function, standing, walking and balance.
• Occupational therapy. Focused on arm/hand function and other activities of daily life.
• Prescription of equipment .To enhance safety and the ability to function inside and outside of your home.
• Managing symptoms associated with hemiplegia such as spasticity and depression.
• Guidance and resources to address the consequences of hemiplegia, for example, returning to work or applying for disability benefits.

There’s ample evidence that exercise helps optimize health and the ability to function after hemiplegia. Exercising may be more challenging with hemiplegia. This is why rehabilitation therapists usually develop exercise programs adapted to a person’s needs and abilities.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HEMIPLEGIA AND HEMIPARESIS?

Hemiplegia and hemiparesis are similar in that they describe weakness on one side of your body, and they’re caused by the same conditions and injuries. Generally, hemiplegia refers to complete paralysis, while hemiparesis refers to partial weakness.