Hemiparesis and Hemiplegia

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Hemiplegia refers to a complete lack of motor function. Hemiparesis refers to decreased motor function. Both are usually a result of a problem with the brain

In alphabetical order. ^{[1] [2]}

• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
• Brain tumors
• Brown-Sequard Syndrome
• Cerebral abscess
• Cerebral Palsy
• Chronic subdural hematoma
• Complicated Migraine
• Congenital structural anomalies
• Demyelinating syndrome
• Guillain-Barre Syndrome
• Inflammatory conditions
• Intracerebral hemorrhage
• Meningitis
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Periodic paralysis
• Psychogenic or hysterical weakness
• Reversible ischemic neurologic deficits (RINDs) last 24-72 hours
• Syphilis
• Thromoboembolic infarction
• Todd’s Paralysis
• Transient ischemic attacks
• Transverse Myelitis
• Trauma

• Onset
• Past history
• Associated symptoms/findings
• Pattern of weakness

• Complete blood count (CBC)
• Prothrombin time / partial thromboplastin time (PT / PTT)
• Glucose
• Calcium
• Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) / creatinine

• Electrolytes

• Both MRI and CT scans are the diagnostic tool of choice

• Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) anaylsis is useful for patients suspected of having multiple sclerosis

• Identifying and treating the underlying cause are the best ways to manage hemiplegia and hemiparesis
• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Orthotics
• Management of blood pressure and blood sugar (cerebral infarction)

• Thrombolytics (cerebral infarction)
• Steroids (multiple sclerosis)

• Assistive devices for general measures
• Surgical management for mass lesions affecting the brain

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