Hemiplegia causes paralysis on one side of the body. It limits movement and affects balance, making everyday tasks harder. Many people with this condition struggle to walk, eat, or get dressed without help.
A stroke or brain injury often triggers hemiplegia. In some cases, trauma from an accident leads to it. Along with the physical changes, people often face stress, frustration, and emotional strain.
If someone else’s actions caused the injury, you may face a long road that includes medical treatment, physical therapy, and legal steps to protect your future.
How Hemiplegia Affects the Body
Hemiplegia affects one side of the body, leading to total or partial loss of movement. Arms, legs, and facial muscles lose control. You may lose balance or fall more often. Simple tasks take more time. You may rely on help to get dressed, eat, or bathe.
In spastic hemiplegia, the muscles tighten without warning. This tightness creates stiffness and pain. Over time, you may lose strength on the affected side. Many people also face emotional strain. Social withdrawal, sadness, and anxiety often follow the diagnosis.
Causes Linked to Brain Injuries
A stroke remains the most common cause of hemiplegia. When one side of the brain stops working, the opposite side of the body shuts down. Left-brain strokes cause right-side paralysis. Right-brain strokes affect the left side.
Head trauma also causes hemiplegia. Blunt force, falls, or sharp impact can disrupt the brain’s ability to control movement. Some children develop hemiplegia due to cerebral palsy. Birth complications or lack of oxygen can damage one side of the brain.
Signs of Hemiplegia After an Accident
Paralysis may appear within minutes or hours after a serious accident. You may feel weak on one side. Your leg may drag. Your arm may not lift.
You may have trouble swallowing or speaking. Facial droop often shows up on one side. Other signs include dizziness, lack of coordination, and numbness.
If you notice slurred speech or confusion, seek medical help at once. These symptoms may indicate a more severe brain injury.
How Hemiplegia Differs from Similar Conditions
Hemiplegia causes full paralysis on one side. Hemiparesis causes partial weakness. Both affect balance and strength, but hemiplegia limits function more severely.
Children with cerebral palsy may show hemiplegia early. Their muscles may feel stiff. They may walk with one leg dragging. Their arm may not open or grip objects. Unlike acquired brain injuries, cerebral palsy often begins at birth.
Alternating hemiplegia of childhood causes episodes. These children lose control on one side, then recover. Later, the other side weakens. Doctors must look closely at the pattern and history to diagnose the correct condition.
Long-Term Costs and Care
Long-term care for hemiplegia costs money, time, and energy. Therapy lasts for months or years. You may need physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy. Your home may need changes.
Ramps, handrails, and medical beds cost thousands of dollars. You may also need a caregiver. A spouse or family member may leave work to help. That loss of income adds pressure.
Medical bills often pile up while insurance fights over coverage. Some people need wheelchairs, braces, or mobility aids.
Contact Our Personal Injury Law Firm in Seattle, WA
If your injury came from a crash, fall, or medical error, speak with a lawyer. You may need legal help to cover costs. Brain injuries often lead to permanent conditions. If someone else caused the damage, you may have a valid case.
If hemiplegia follows a crash or medical event, contact our team. We help people with paralysis cases caused by negligence. During your consultation, we answer your questions, explain the process, and review your legal options.
Legal support takes the pressure off your family. We handle deadlines, court filings, and insurance disputes. You can focus on your recovery while we fight for fair compensation.
For more information, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer to schedule a free initial consultation. We have convenient locations in Seattle and Tacoma, Washington.
Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer – Seattle
701 5th Ave Suite 4300A, Seattle, WA 98104
(253) 948-0250
Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer – Tacoma
909 A St Ste 700, Tacoma, WA 98402
(253) 264-0225