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CHILDREN HEMIPLEGIA |
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Children in Hemiplegia |
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What is hemiplegia? |
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Hemiplegia, also known as hemiplegic cerebral palsy when diagnosed in children, is a condition involving paralysis or partial paralysis of one side of the body. In child or infant hemiplegic cerebral palsy, there is damage to part of the brain and this may occur in utero, at birth, or later, as a result of accident, illness or pediatric stroke. Hemiplegia is sometimes known hemi paresis, meaning a partial paralysis of one side of the body. |
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Signs of hemiplegia, hemi paresis, or hemiplegic cerebral palsy may include:
- muscle weakness or stiffness - plasticity
- paralysis on one side
- lack of control on the affected side of the body
- little use of one hand
- limping, toe drop, gait problems
- poor balance
- speech or language difficulties
- visual field defects
- seizures (epilepsy)
- perceptual or sensory issues
- specific learning difficulties
- behavioral issues
- IQ scores for children with hemiplegia seem to follow the same range as the general population.
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Treatment |
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Treatments for hemiplegic cerebral palsy are intended to improve strength and range of motion, prevent contractures, and increase function. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, braces or orthotics, Botulinum Toxin injections, electrical stimulation, medications, and surgery are some of the treatments received by children who have hemiplegic cerebral palsy.
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Children may also receive speech and language therapy and special educational services to help with learning differences. |
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Stroke |
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Perinatal arterial ischemic stroke is the most common known cause of cerebral palsy in term and near-term infants. Arterial ischemia occurring during the 3 days surround birth is reported to be responsible for 50% to 70% of congenital hemiplegic cerebral palsy. |
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For infant and childhood stroke information visit the Kids Have Strokes website
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Information on infant and childhood stroke, including diagnosing stroke in an infant or child, causes of pediatric stroke, childhood stroke facts, how you can help increase awareness of pediatric stroke, and updates on the latest in utero, infant, and childhood stroke research. You'll also find a list of pediatric stroke researchers and a list of infant and childhood stroke clinical trials and studies which need participants. |
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