January 15, 2025 | Personal Injury
Neurological conditions can be incredibly difficult to treat due to the complexity of the human brain. Conditions like hemiplegia, which involves paralysis on one side of the body, can be particularly life-changing. Hemiplegia is typically linked to damage to the brain or spinal cord, which is often caused by accidents or underlying medical conditions.
Here’s everything you need to know if you or a loved one has been impacted by this serious condition in Illinois.
Understanding Hemiplegia
Hemiplegia is a medical condition characterized by the complete loss of movement and motor function on either the left or right side of the body. Individuals who experience hemiplegia typically suffer damage to the cerebral hemisphere of their brain on the opposite side of the paralysis.
For example, a person who experiences left-sided hemiplegia has damage to the right cerebral hemisphere. Hemiplegia can also be caused by severe nerve damage that impacts the cervical spine.
Hemiplegia vs. Hemiparesis
Hemiparesis and hemiplegia are symptoms of the same condition. Hemiparesis can be a warning sign or precursor to one-sided paralysis. The difference between the two symptoms is the severity of the loss of motor function.
Typically, hemiparesis will involve a loss of strength and sensation on the affected side of the body. It is often caused by mild to moderate brain or nerve damage. On the other hand, hemiplegia is a more severe form of hemiparesis. The presentation of one-sided paralysis and muscle weakness can vary depending on the severity of the damage.
Other indicators of hemiplegia or hemiparesis can include visual impairments and speech difficulties. You may also experience a lack of coordination as motor function on the affected side worsens.
What Causes Hemiplegia?
Several different factors, including the following, can cause hemiplegia:
Traumatic Brain Injury
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can cause sudden damage to the brain and spinal cord. The incident can lead to hemiparesis or hemiplegia. TBIs can be linked to car accidents, workplace accidents, slip and falls, and any other personal injury that involves a blow to the head.
Stroke
Strokes are one of the most common causes of hemiplegia. During a stroke, you can experience an interruption of blood flow to the brain, which may damage the areas that are responsible for controlling movement.
It’s vital to recognize the early warning signs of a stroke, which include:
- Drooping on one or both sides of the face
- Muscle weakness or paralysis in the arm
- Slurred speech
If you or a loved one are experiencing stroke symptoms, call 911 right away. Every minute matters, as delayed care can result in more severe brain damage or even death.
Brain Infections
Conditions like meningitis or encephalitis can cause inflammation and damage to brain tissues. If the damage primarily impacts one side of the brain, it can lead to hemiparesis or hemiplegia.
Medical Malpractice
Medical mistakes that restrict blood flow to the brain could cause hemiplegia. If you or a loved one suffered hemiplegia after undergoing a medical procedure, negligence may have played a role. It’s important to speak to an experienced attorney and explore your options for compensation so that you can hold the responsible parties accountable.
Can Hemiplegia Be Cured?
While there is no cure for hemiplegia, individuals who experienced mild damage resulting in hemiparesis may be able to improve their quality of life by participating in:
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
Additionally, a doctor may recommend medications to manage symptoms or prevent further complications.
Dealing With Hemiplegia in Chicago
Chicago has a wealth of medical resources that can help you or your loved one manage hemiplegia. It’s important to reach out to an attorney to discuss your options, as you may be eligible for compensation to cover your healthcare costs. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate follow-up treatment can result in an improved quality of life and effective symptom management.
Contact our Personal Injury Law Firm at Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Chicago, IL, don’t navigate the legal process alone. Our dedicated team is here to provide the expert guidance you need to secure the compensation you deserve. Contact our experienced attorneys at Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers for a free consultation.
We serve Cook County and its surrounding areas:
Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers
875 N Dearborn St 4th Floor
Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 635-5400
Open 24/7