Hemiplegikus

Hemiplegikus is an adjective used in medical contexts to describe phenomena related to hemiplegia, the paralysis of one side of the body. In English medical usage the corresponding terms are hemiplegic and hemiplegia; in Hungarian the form hemiplegikus is common.

Most commonly, hemiplegia results from damage to the contralateral brain hemisphere, such as ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke, traumatic brain injury, brain tumor, infection, or inflammatory processes. Injury to the corticospinal tract and internal capsule disrupts voluntary movement on the opposite side.

Patients exhibit unilateral weakness or paralysis, facial droop, and reduced limb movement, often with sensory disturbances, altered reflexes, or spasticity. Over time, contractures and gait abnormalities may develop; neglect or language problems may occur when language-dominant areas are affected.

Diagnosis combines clinical examination with neuroimaging, usually CT or MRI, to identify the lesion and rule out other causes. Distinguishing hemiplegia from hemiparesis informs prognosis and rehabilitation planning.

Management is multidisciplinary and includes acute safety, prevention of secondary injury, and rehabilitation. Physical and occupational therapy, and speech therapy when needed, are mainstays. Spasticity may be treated with position therapy, medications (baclofen, tizanidine), or botulinum toxin injections; underlying causes are addressed.

In some contexts the term refers to hemiplegic migraine, a rare aura-associated headache with temporary unilateral weakness. This is distinct from hemiplegia due to brain injury or stroke.

Prevalence tracks the incidence of brain injury and stroke; prevention focuses on vascular risk factor management and timely medical care, followed by early rehabilitation.