Hemiplegia is a type of paralysis which affects one half of the body, including one arm and leg. Any disease or injury affecting the motor centers of the brain can cause hemiplegia. Generally, an injury to the right side of the brain tends to cause a left-sided hemiplegia, And, an injury to the left side of the brain tends to cause a right-sided hemiplegia. The presentation of hemiplegia may be different in patients, but it’s the most common symptoms are a varying degree of weakness and a lack of control on one side of the body.
Certain conditions such as stroke (Insufficient blood supply to the brain leads to the loss of brain functions), head injury, brain tumor, infection of the brain, inflammation of the blood vessels of the brain, and diseases like multiple sclerosis, certain congenital diseases, or hereditary diseases can lead to Hemiplegia.
Common Symptoms Of Hemiplegia:
The symptoms of hemiplegia include a difficulty in walking, difficulty in maintaining a proper balance while walking, difficulty in swallowing easily, blurred vision or weakness of the eyes, speech becomes difficult, numbness, loss of the sensation or tingling sensation in the affected half of the body, bowel movements fail to hold on urine or stool, no control over the bladder, inability to hold usual objects, inability to tie the laces, inability to perform daily tasks, such as dressing up, buttoning, and others, poor memory, inability to manage stressful situations, an increased emotional sensitively, inability to recall past or recent events related places, activities, and people.
Managing Hemiplegia:
Most of the patients with hemiplegia are either bedridden or dependent on others for their activities. They need support for carrying out their daily activities. Although life with hemiplegia is difficult, there are many ways to manage it.
Treatment of hemiplegia is largely dependent on the cause of hemiplegia.
After treating the acute cause, hemiplegia usually takes a while to recover. There are two facets to treat the condition.
- Check the further progress of the underlying condition. This can be done with a proper medication.
- Rehabilitation and controlling disability with the help of therapies, such as neuromuscular electrical stimulation, botulinum toxin injections, intensive physiotherapy sessions, speech therapy, occupational therapy, etc.
While managing Hemiplegia, if medication and therapies are augmented with some home remedies then it can help in the recovery and prevent the further deterioration.
Also Read: How Homeopathy Helps In The Treatment Of Hemiplegia?
Home Remedies For Hemiplegia:
- Massage:
Massaging the affected part may strengthen the muscles and improves the muscle tone. Massage with pure ghee or oil (mustard oil, neem oil, almond oil, sesame oil, etc.) 15-20 minutes twice in a day is quite effective.
- Follow A Balanced Diet:
Almond oil: The regular use of almond oil helps reduce cholesterol and improves the blood flow to the brain
Adding tulsi leaves, garlic, ginger, and turmeric to your diet offers you great benefits in healing and strengthening the muscles, circulatory system, and immune system.
Eating a well-balanced diet, which is low in fats and salt and rich in fruits, berries, nuts, and vegetables, help in the recovery and prevents stroke.
- Stay Hydrated:
Drinking an adequate quantity of water and staying hydrated helps in the overall recovery from hemiplegia.
- Perform Yoga And Pranayama:
Learn and practice yoga and pranayama. Follow the proper breathing and stretching exercises. If it is done under the supervision of an experienced yoga trainer, they are quite helpful in managing hemiplegia. Initially, the hemiplegia affected individuals won’t be able to perform exercises by using their affected muscles. So, they need to start with passive exercises which require the right assistance. By practicing passive exercises consistently and properly, they can stimulate the areas of their brain effectively to regain the movement of their affected muscles and then proceed to learn and practice active exercises.
- Have Adequate Rest: Take an undisturbed, sound, and continuous sleep for 7-8 hours.
- Practice Relaxation Techniques: De-stress your body through relaxation techniques, such as meditation, listening to music etc.
Now that you know all the necessary information about hemiplegia, make sure you take the right care to prevent or treat it effectively. If you want to know more about Hemiplegia, you can give us a call at +91-22-66888888 or drop in an email at info@lifeforce.in
– Written by Dr. Aparna, Associate doctor to Dr. Rajesh Shah
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