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paralysis on one side of the body is called
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Nervous System Disorders
Question #16506
2 days ago
21

paralysis on one side of the body is called - #16506

Reet

I am really worried because my dad just had a sudden incident where he couldn't move the left side of his body, and I'm pretty sure paralysis on one side of the body is called hemiplegia, right? Like, it all happened so fast. One minute he was fine, and the next he was slumped in his chair, and I was freaking out! The ambulance took him to the hospital, and the doctors talked about how it could be some sort of stroke or something, but nobody really explained to us about paralysis on one side of the body. They asked about his history, and he has high blood pressure but we never thought it would come to this. Now he’s in rehab, and the physical therapists are saying he needs to work on regaining movement. But I keep thinking, can paralysis on one side of the body, I mean, hemiplegia, be reversible? I read online that some recoveries are amazing and others take forever and I just don’t know what to expect. Do you guys think we will see improvement? And how long does it usually take? If anyone has experienced this with a family member or something, I'd love to hear any stories or tips. Thanks.

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Doctors’ responses

Yes, paralysis on one side of the body is indeed called hemiplegia, and it often results from a stroke, which seems to be what doctors are examining in your dad’s case. This happens when there’s an interruption of blood flow to part of the brain, causing cells to lack oxygen, which can result in the sudden loss of function in the affected areas of the brain. Since your dad has high blood pressure, this condition is a known risk factor for strokes, emphasizing the importance of managing blood pressure to prevent future incidents. Recovery from hemiplegia can vary significantly from person to person, depending on several factors such as the severity of the stroke, the specific area of the brain affected, and the speed and adequacy of medical intervention received. Early and comprehensive rehabilitation is crucial. Engaging your dad with physical, occupational, and speech therapy as recommended by his healthcare team will target regaining mobility, strength, and everyday functioning. It’s essential to start these therapies as soon as he is able because early intervention can lead to better outcomes. Recovery is often most rapid in the first few months after a stroke, but improvements can still occur more slowly over an extended period. While some individuals experience significant recovery, others might have lasting deficits. It’s vital to keep a realistic but hopeful outlook and engage actively with his rehab plan. Ensure his healthcare team is tailoring strategies specific to his needs to aid maximal improvement. Encouraging him to follow medical advice, attend all sessions, practice at home as instructed, and maintain a healthy lifestyle with control over his risk factors (like blood pressure) can enhance overall progress. While complete recovery isn’t guaranteed, with dedication and proper support, improvement in function can be very possible.

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