The central nervous system is a biological structure in charge of perceiving the stimuli coming from the outside world, processing that information and transmitting the impulses to nerves and muscles, making them allow the person to perform all kinds of movements.

But when something interferes with the proper functioning of this system, performing any body movement can become really complicated. One of these special conditions in which the person’s ability to move is limited is hemiparesis , in which the subject’s body mobility is reduced in only half of his body.

What is hemiparesis?

Hemiparesis is not defined as a disease, but rather as a neurological condition of variable causes that makes it difficult to move one half of the body . Specifically, hemiparesis refers to the decrease in motor strength or partial paralysis affecting an arm and leg on the same side of the body.

This decrease in movement does not constitute paralysis, and is considered a lesser degree than hemiplegia, which does produce total paralysis. When this decrease in movement affects the head and face it may not be too evident.

Types of hemiparesis

Hemiparesis can be grouped into different types according to the causes of its appearance, so there are different types according to the degree of muscle weakness and its causes .

1. Hemiparesis of the right side

This hemiparesis is caused by an injury to the left hemisphere of the brain, so the person will have reduced muscle mobility on the right side of his body.

2. Hemiparesis of the left side

When the brain injury occurs in the right hemisphere, it is the left side of the body that is affected by this decreased muscle mobility.

3. Infant Hemiparesis

Infant hemiparesis is the one that affects babies or young children, and it usually occurs due to problems in the spinal cord or brain damage from birth.

Causes

As mentioned in the previous point, the causes of hemiparesis are varied. The particular muscle weakening can be caused by injuries to the spinal cord affecting the nerves that innervate the muscles and causing them to become weak.

This spinal cord damage includes injuries caused by trauma, such as that which might result from a car accident. Diseases such as multiple sclerosis and some types of cancer can also cause spinal cord injuries that interfere with nerve activity.

Brain damage can also lead to a decline in muscle strength, with stroke being one of the most common reasons a person may suffer from hemiparesis. In addition, this muscle weakness is one of the main signs that a person will suffer a stroke.

Diagnosis

When a patient comes to the health center with hemiparesis, the first step is to determine the germ of the muscle weakness . In order to accurately detect the location of the lesion, medical imaging studies are necessary; also, an interview with the patient is necessary to collect information and thus take a clinical history in order to identify the most evident risk factors.

Treatment

In order to stop the effects of hemiparesis and reduce the consequences it has on the body, it is essential to solve and/or treat the affected part that has caused it. In this way, as a rebound effect, it should be improved and even solved.

Another very common intervention with notable positive results is physical treatment by means of physiotherapy exercises , in which the areas that have been affected by this decrease in mobility are forced to work and move directly.

With this treatment the patient restores control over his muscles, strengthens his muscle mass and motor capacity. The person affected by hemiparesis can also use the help of devices, such as walkers or braces, to help complement the treatment; and to support the execution of daily activities and to move the affected area with greater and better development of the activity.

There is no minimum time limit for partial or total recovery from hemiparesis, since recovery depends on the intensity of the treatment carried out, the degree of muscle weakening or the causes that have led to the condition.

Usually, hemiparesis can be completely solved, leaving, at most, minor sequelae that can be perfectly harmonized with the patient’s normal life rhythm.

The Bobath Concept

One of the possible treatments for hemiparesis is the Bobath Concept through physical and occupational therapy.

The Bobath Concept refers to a problem-solving therapeutic approach in the evaluation and treatment of patients with disorders or problems of function, postural control and movement, due to injuries of the central nervous system; including here hemiparesis.

This is a therapy based on the brain’s ability to reorganize itself from peripheral sensory stimuli, seeking to ensure that intact brain areas compensate for the functions that were performed by the injured parts of the brain.

The main attraction of the Bobath Concept is to favour the functioning of the affected side of the body as much as necessary, and thus adapt its movements in a way that is consonant with the less affected side of the body; seeking to balance the body in terms of functionality and mobility.

Another characteristic essence of this method is the modification of abnormal movement patterns resulting from the injury itself, facilitating activity in a functional way and following the milestones of the person’s neurophysiological development.

Another point in favour of the Bobath Concept is that it does not demand strict treatment regimes that must be followed rigorously, but rather provides the person with elements that can be applied according to individual needs and responses , thus involving the patient in his/her own recovery.