Hemiplegic cerebral palsy affects just one side of the body. That’s what the prefix “hemi” means. This type of cerebral palsy (CP) is a subtype of spastic CP, the most common form of cerebral palsy that accounts for about 70% of all cases.
Understanding the differences between hemiplegic and hemiparetic cerebral palsy can help parents better advocate for their child’s treatment and care.
Our Houston cerebral palsy lawyers can help you navigate the legal process if you believe your child’s CP was caused by malpractice.
Understanding the Different Types of Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy is a condition that affects a person’s ability to control their muscles. It usually occurs because something goes awry in the brain while it’s still developing—typically before, during, or shortly after birth. While CP affects movement and muscle control, the specific symptoms depend on which type a person has.
There are four main types of cerebral palsy:
Spastic Cerebral Palsy
The most common type, characterized by stiff muscles and difficulties with movement. It includes several subtypes based on which parts of the body are affected:
- Spastic hemiplegia: Affects one side of the body
- Spastic diplegia: Primarily affects the lower body, especially the legs
- Spastic triplegia: A less common subtype where three limbs are affected
- Spastic quadriplegia: Severe muscle stiffness affecting all four limbs and the trunk
Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy
This type involves uncontrollable movements, including athetoid (slow, writhing movements) and dystonic (sustained muscle contractions causing twisting).
Ataxic Cerebral Palsy
Characterized by problems with balance and coordination, ataxic cerebral palsy includes shaky movements and difficulty with fine motor skills.
Mixed Cerebral Palsy
Some people with cerebral palsy have a combination of different types, such as lower body movement issues, combined with muscle contractions.
This article focuses specifically on hemiplegic and hemiparetic cerebral palsy, the subtypes that affect one side of the body.
Hemiplegic vs. Hemiparetic Cerebral Palsy: What’s the Difference?
Both hemiplegic and hemiparetic cerebral palsy are subtypes of spastic CP that affect one side of the body. Doctors sometimes use these terms interchangeably, but there are important distinctions:
Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy (Spastic Hemiplegia): Involves paralysis on one side of the body. The term “spastic” refers to muscles that are stiff or tight, making smooth movement difficult. People with spastic hemiplegia typically cannot use their arm or leg on either the right or left side of their body (right hemiplegic cerebral palsy and left hemiplegic cerebral palsy).
Hemiparetic Cerebral Palsy (Hemiparesis): Describes milder cases where there’s weakness rather than paralysis on one side of the body. Children with hemiparesis aren’t paralyzed, but muscle weakness makes it challenging to perform daily activities.
Signs and Symptoms
Most infants who develop hemiplegic cerebral palsy experience seizures, often one of the first warning signs. Doctors should stop seizures as soon as possible because they can worsen brain damage.
Other symptoms that affect only one side of the body include:
In Infants:
- Balling one hand into a fist
- Using only one hand while playing
- Milestone delays (not sitting up or crawling when expected)
In Older Children:
- Arms or legs feel “stuck” or difficult to move
- Muscle stiffness or weakness on one side
- Walking difficulties, with one side of the body “dragging” during steps
- Walking on toes
- Balance problems when standing or walking
- Sudden muscle tightening causing spasms or cramps
- Limited range of motion when stretching or reaching
- Difficulty with fine motor skills
Children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy can also develop associated conditions like epilepsy and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
These symptoms can appear anytime from birth to around 18 months. However, many children don’t receive a diagnosis until they’re around 3 years old because the effects of brain damage or stroke they suffered as newborns don’t manifest until later.
What Causes Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy?
Hemiplegic cerebral palsy usually results from damage to a baby’s developing brain before, during, or shortly after birth. While CP isn’t hereditary, most cases of spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy are congenital, meaning genetic factors may have made the baby more susceptible.
For example, genetic factors could increase the likelihood of premature birth, and premature babies have a greater chance of developing CP.
Potential causes and risk factors include the following.
During Pregnancy:
- Maternal infections (such as rubella or cytomegalovirus)
- Maternal health conditions (such as thyroid disorders or high blood pressure)
- Placental infections
- Exposure to toxins or drugs
- Blood incompatibility between mother and baby
- Congenital heart disease
During Labor and Delivery:
- Lack of oxygen (asphyxia)
- Premature birth
- Low birth weight
- Birth complications
- Neonatal stroke
After Birth:
- Infections
- Head injuries or trauma
- Stroke during infancy
Genetic and Unknown Factors:
- Genetic predispositions or mutations
- Sometimes the cause is simply unknown with no way to predict or prevent it
When Medical Negligence Plays a Role
A small percentage of cerebral palsy cases stem from medical negligence. A doctor’s mistake or failure to follow protocol can lead to a CP-causing birth injury. Examples include:
- Improper use of extraction tools (like forceps or a vacuum)
- Failure to order a prompt C-section when needed
- Failing to detect and address fetal distress
- Letting infections or conditions like jaundice go untreated
- Mishandling the labor and delivery process
Figuring out the exact cause of hemiplegic cerebral palsy can be complex, which is why negligence lawsuits involving cerebral palsy require a high level of legal expertise.
Prognosis and Treatment
There’s no cure for hemiplegic or hemiparetic cerebral palsy. However, treatment can significantly improve quality of life and help people with this condition live more comfortably and independently.
Like other types of CP, hemiplegic cerebral palsy isn’t progressive, meaning it doesn’t get worse over time. The extent of impairment varies by person. Some have mild symptoms that barely impact daily life, while others have significant disabilities requiring ongoing support.
Common Treatment Methods:
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
- Medications
- Orthotics (like braces or splints)
- Aquatic therapy
- Surgery
Treatment plans should be individualized to fit each person’s needs and goals, typically involving a combination of methods. In general, the earlier a child receives treatment, the better their prognosis.
With ongoing treatment, many individuals with hemiplegic cerebral palsy can achieve functional independence. They can carry out daily tasks, improve mobility, pursue education, and hold jobs, living fulfilling, independent lives.
Legal Help for Parents of Children with Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy
As a parent of a child with hemiplegic or hemiparetic cerebral palsy, you want them to have the highest quality of life possible. This requires a multidisciplinary approach involving healthcare professionals, therapists, educators, and family members.
If you suspect that medical negligence played a role in your child’s diagnosis, consulting with a birth injury lawyer is an important step. When CP develops because of healthcare worker negligence, families may be entitled to seek compensation.
This compensation from a cerebral palsy legal claim can pay for:
- Physical, occupational, and speech therapy
- Medical devices and orthotics
- Past and future hospital bills
- Ongoing care and support services
- Educational accommodations
Our Houston cerebral palsy lawyers have the qualifications and experience needed to handle the toughest birth injury cases.
We invite you to schedule a free consultation to discuss your child’s case and explore your legal options for a medical malpractice claim.