Hemiplegia is one-sided paralysis that impacts either the left or right side of your body. It results from a spinal cord or brain injury. Your spine is the dividing line between the affected and unaffected side of your body. The paralysis may be permanent or temporary, depending on the cause. 

There are several variations of hemiplegia. The most common type involves total paralysis of the affected side. However, some people may experience spastic hemiplegia, which involves uncontrollable muscle contractions. 

What Causes Hemiplegia?

Hemiplegia can be caused by one of several different conditions.

Stroke

Strokes are one of the most common causes of hemiplegia. A stroke occurs when blood flow to part of your brain is blocked. The longer your brain goes without blood, the more severe the damage. If the blockage damages the part of the brain that affects motor control on one side of your body, you could develop hemiplegia. 

Time is of the essence if you are experiencing stroke-related paralysis. If healthcare professionals identify and clear the blockage quickly, it may be possible to avoid permanent hemiplegia. 

Traumatic Brain Injury

A severe blow to the head can cause a traumatic brain injury (TBI). These injuries can cause unpredictable symptoms, including concussions, headaches, blurry vision, and one-sided paralysis. While some TBIs will resolve over time, others can cause permanent damage. 

Traumatic brain injuries can occur in everyday circumstances. For example, falling and hitting your head on a paved sidewalk could cause a TBI. 

Car Accidents

Car accidents can lead to severe head trauma and cause ongoing conditions like one-sided paralysis. Damage to the motor cortex of the brain is permanent, which means your crash could result in lifelong challenges and a diminished quality of life.

Therefore, it’s important to wear your seat belt and take all practical precautions when operating a motor vehicle. If you are involved in a car accident, seek immediate medical treatment so that you can be evaluated for potential head injuries that may cause or contribute to the development of hemiplegia. 

Medical Malpractice 

Medical malpractice could potentially lead to brain damage during several time-sensitive scenarios. For example, a provider who fails to monitor fetal distress may contribute to brain damage in the newborn. Surgical errors that result in damage to a patient’s motor cortex could also cause hemiplegia. 

While medical errors are rare, they do happen and can have lifelong consequences for you and your loved ones. If you or a family member develop hemiplegia following a procedure or treatment, medical malpractice may be to blame. 

Can Hemiplegia Be Cured?

Brain injuries, including those that cause hemiplegia, are often permanent. However, it may be possible for the brain to form new pathways and connections. Children tend to have the best outlook when facing hemiplegia. However, adults may also be able to form new pathways and overcome one-sided paralysis.

The key is to seek prompt medical treatment so that your provider can identify the underlying cause of your condition. You must also be diligent when attending therapy so that you can improve your symptoms. 

What To Do About Hemiplegia

The first step when facing hemiplegia involves seeking prompt medical attention. You need to receive treatment from a licensed medical provider so that they can identify the root cause of your condition and promptly treat any underlying causes. 

While hemiplegia is rare, it can be life-changing. Act quickly and seek the support of experienced professionals as you pursue meaningful improvements in function and quality of life.

Contact Our Personal Injury Lawyers at Laird Hammons Laird Trial Lawyers for a Free Consultation

For more information, please contact an experienced Oklahoma City personal injury lawyer at Laird Hammons Laird Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation today. Our law office is located in Oklahoma City.

We proudly serve Oklahoma County, OK and its surrounding areas:

Laird Hammons Laird Personal Injury Lawyers – OKC
1332 SW 89th St,
Oklahoma City, OK 73159
(405) 497-0480