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Hemiplegia refers to paralysis of the muscles on the same side of the body, affecting both the upper and lower limbs, often accompanied by motor dysfunction of the facial and tongue muscles on the same side. This motor impairment results from damage to the upper motor neurons, leading to a loss of the brain’s contralateral control over the body. Stroke is the leading cause of hemiplegia, and the increasing incidence of stroke has driven a parallel rise in hemiplegia cases. Other causes include traumatic brain injury and brain tumors.

Hemiplegia not only presents as motor dysfunction—such as restricted limb movement and abnormal gait—but is also frequently accompanied by complex symptoms including slurred speech, swallowing difficulties, and cognitive impairment. These issues severely impact both the physical and mental well-being of patients. Rehabilitation is typically a long-term process, and most patients require lifelong intervention, placing a heavy burden on families and society.

In terms of treatment, for the acute phase of the underlying condition—such as stroke—intravenous thrombolysis may be administered within 4.5 hours of onset, and mechanical thrombectomy may be used for eligible patients with large vessel occlusion. In cases of traumatic brain injury, surgical intervention or osmotic agents like mannitol may be employed to reduce intracranial pressure. Subsequent treatment should focus on addressing the underlying cause.

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