What is hemiplegia?

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Hemiplegia is weakness on one side of the body.

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Matthew Hoffman, MD

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Emory University

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Hemiplegia is weakness on one side of the body.

The most common cause of hemiplegia is a stroke. During a stroke (cerebrovascular accident), an area of tissue in the brain dies because of either an interrupted blood supply or increased brain swelling. The left brain controls the right arm and leg, so a stroke on one side of the brain may cause hemiplegia on the opposite side.

Hemiplegia can also temporarily result from migraine headaches, seizures, and many other conditions affecting the nerves. Unexplained new weakness on one side of the body should be considered an emergency and prompt immediate medical attention.

After a stroke, hemiplegia may be permanent. Hemiplegia may be very mild and almost unnoticeable, but get temporarily worse during periods of sleep deprivation, illness, or stress.

This answer should not be considered medical advice...This answer should not be considered medical advice and should not take the place of a doctor’s visit. Please see the bottom of the page for more information or visit our Terms and Conditions.

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