Understanding Hemiplegia: Paralysis of One Side of the Body

Hemiplegia is a neurological condition that involves paralysis of one side of the body. Hemiplegia is a secondary effect of certain medical conditions that damage the nervous system such as stroke, brain injury, or cerebral palsy. Sometimes, this affects the way people move, walk, or care for themselves. Because of this, individuals with hemiplegia often rely on assistive devices, such as wheelchairs, and the help of caregivers to carry out daily tasks. Fortunately, regaining movement is often possible thanks to the nervous system’s ability to rewire itself. Hemiplegia Definition Hemiplegia is a condition caused by damage to the nervous system that results in...

Understanding Agnosia: Causes, Types, and Treatment

Agnosia is a rare condition characterized by difficulties recognizing or perceiving familiar objects, people, or sounds due to sensory processing deficits. It primarily affects one’s ability to understand what they see, hear, or touch. Generally, only one of the senses (vision, hearing, or touch) is affected. Therefore, individuals with agnosia are often able to utilize their other senses to compensate and improve their quality of life. However, there are also ways to improve one’s ability to process stimuli and regain affected functions. Causes of Agnosia Difficulties with recognition in individuals with agnosia are unrelated to memory, attention, or other cognitive problems. Instead, agnosia...

Understanding Hemiparesis: Weakness on One Side of the Body

Hemiparesis involves weakness on one side of the body. It is a secondary effect of injury to the central nervous system. Because of this, treatment involves engaging the central nervous system’s natural ability to rewire and heal itself. This guide will explain how that works, along with the causes and treatments available for hemiparesis. Causes of Hemiparesis Hemiparesis is most commonly caused by a stroke. When a stroke occurs, the supply of blood in the brain becomes disrupted, which causes brain cells to die. When a stroke affects the areas of the brain responsible for movement, it can cause issues with motor control such...

How Spasticity Treatment Works: Understanding Exercise, Botox, & Add-On Therapies

When muscles become stiff and rigid after a neurological injury like a stroke, it indicates a condition called spasticity. Treatment often involves exercise to help rewire the brain. However, when spasticity treatment exercises alone aren’t enough to produce results, other therapies such as Botox can be added to help relax the muscles. You’re about to learn how spasticity treatment works, what exercises and therapies are available, and how you can maximize your chances of regaining mobility. What Causes Muscle Rigidity and Spasticity? To understand what causes muscle rigidity and spasticity, let’s look at how your muscles typically function. Under normal circumstances, your muscles and...

Intrathecal Baclofen Pump: How It May Help Spasticity & What You Should Know

To treat spasticity after a neurological injury, individuals may utilize an intrathecal baclofen pump. While this method of treatment can provide long-term spasticity relief, it’s important to understand its associated complications and maintenance requirements. Additionally, there are less invasive treatments that are worth considering before committing to a baclofen pump implantation surgery. How Baclofen Works Following a neurological injury such as a stroke, individuals may develop spasticity. Spasticity refers to involuntary muscle contractions caused by disrupted communication between the central nervous system and muscles. Without proper management, it can significantly restrict range of motion and cause pain. Therefore, doctors often prescribe a muscle relaxant...