Langsung ke konten utama

Hemiparesis, Muscle Weakness on One Side of the Body

Hemiparesis is a condition when one side of the body experiences weakness so it is difficult to move. This condition is generally experienced by stroke sufferers. There are various therapies to treat this condition. Check out more in the following review! Hemiparesis comes from the word 'hemi' which means one side, and the word 'paresis' which means weakness. The limbs affected by hemiparesis are usually the hands, arms, chest, legs, and facial muscles. This condition can occur on the right or only the left.

Causes of Hemiparesis

Hemiparesis occurs because of damage to one side of the brain that can be caused by a stroke, brain injury, brain tumor, or injury to the nervous system. Which side of the body experiences weakness due to stroke, depends on which side of the brain the damage occurs. Hemiparesis can be contralateral, ie if muscle weakness occurs on the opposite side of the body of the brain that is damaged, for example if damage to the right brain occurs, hemiparesis will occur on the left side of the body, or vice versa. Hemiparesis can also occur on the same side of the brain. Other symptoms that commonly accompany hemiparesis are:
  • Difficulty walking
  • Muscle fatigue
  • Headache
  • Difficult to reach or hold the object or objects
  • Coordination of impaired motion
As a result of muscle weakness on one side of the body, hemiparesis sufferers have difficulty in daily activities, such as standing, walking, eating, talking, dressing, even when using the toilet. Sometimes, it is also accompanied by symptoms of tingling and numbness on one side of the body affected by hemiparesis. Hemiparesis is different from hemiplegia or paralysis of one side of the body. Hemiparesis is only weakness, not paralysis. Hemiparesis can also be called partial or partial paralysis. Hemiparesis patients can still move the side of the body that is disturbed, but only small movements and very weak.

Appropriate Handling for Hemiparesis

Proper handling can restore the strength of the side of the body that is experiencing weakness. Treatment methods include a combination of medical therapy with drugs, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, rehabilitation therapy, psychotherapy, and surgery if needed. Treatment of hemiparesis caused by stroke will be adjusted to the type of stroke that occurs. If a stroke occurs due to a blockage in the blood flow of the brain, thrombolytic and antithrombotic drugs can be given to destroy the blockage and smooth the blood flow of the brain. If it is caused by cerebral hemorrhage, it is necessary to gradually reduce blood pressure, as well as surgery to treat bleeding and blood clots. Whatever the cause, hemiparesis is a condition that needs to be monitored and treated by the medical team at the hospital. Here are some types of treatment that can help restore the condition of hemiparesis by focusing on improving the ability of body movements.
  • Modified constraint-induced movement therapy (mCIMT)

  • This therapy limits the use of normal body parts, instead encouraging patients to use the side of the body that is experiencing weakness. Regular exercise with this therapy can improve nerve function. Several studies have shown that mCIMT works very well when combined with other therapies. Research also shows that this method is best done as an effort to improve strength in the arms and hands that have hemiparesis due to stroke.
  • Electrical stimulation

  • This therapy is useful to increase the sensitivity of sensory nerves, strengthen parts of the body affected by hemiparesis (hands, arms, legs, and legs), reduce muscle stiffness, and increase range of motion. The procedure is performed by placing an electric pad on the weakened muscles of a part of the body experiencing hemiparesis. A mild electric charge that is channeled through the cushion will make the muscles contract as you try to move.
  • Mental imaginery or imagination

  • Imagining is the process of imagining moving a part of the body affected by hemiparesis, and activating areas of the brain and muscles as if you were actually doing an activity. This method is a form of psychotherapy. When you imagine using or moving parts of the body that are experiencing weakness, the nerves of the body send signals to the brain that weak body parts become strong again. Several studies have shown, this imaginative therapy is effective in restoring strength to the arms, when combined with conventional therapy.
  • Device

  • Doctors can recommend the use of assistive devices, such as canes or wheelchairs, to help patients move and prevent injury. Your doctor or physiotherapist will recommend a device that suits the patient's condition.
In addition to therapy, rehabilitation, and the use of assistive devices, exercise at home can also help improve movement and assist the process of hemiparesis recovery. Exercises that are carried out repeatedly on a regular basis will help increase control and flexibility of body movements. Patients can consult their doctor about any special activities that can be done at home, which will help the recovery process after hospitalization.

Komentar