What is Hemiplegia?

When children are diagnosed as hemiplegia, they are considered to be suffering from paralysis of half of their bodies. A birth injury, hemiplegia is a type of cerebral palsy that inhibits the control of muscle movement. Hemiplegia often occurs before, during or after birth and is a result of birth malpractice. 

The Facts about Hemiplegia
Children's Hemiplegia and Stroke Foundation explains how a child who suffers from hemiplegia will experience paralysis that occurs opposite the side of the brain where damage is present. For instance, if there is baby brain damage on the left side of the brain, then the paralysis of the body will be centered on the right side of their body. Although hemiplegia is not a progressive condition or disease, children may experience added problems with muscle spasticity as the child grows older. 

The most common cause of acquired hemiplegia stems from a stroke in the brain during childhood, yet it can also result from an accident or infection. Hemiplegia victims can also have difficulty using their hand, may lose their balance at times and experience speech and visual problems. BrainandSpinalCord.org says there are several types of hemiplegia including:

• Facial - Paralysis to one side of face
• Cerebral - Lesions in brain that disrupt the flow of blood
• Spastic - Distinguishing paralysis and spastic movements to troubled side
• Spinal - Lesions formed on the spine

Rasansky Law firm is dedicated to being an advocate for individuals who suffer from hemiplegia. If you feel that this birth injury is due to negligence, do not hesitate to fill out our free case evaluation form. Our birth injury lawyers will gladly review the facts of your situation.