What to expect from hemiplegic hemiarthrosis?
Hemiplegia is a condition where the brain or spinal cord does not fully develop. This means that there are gaps between the bones of your skull. These gaps may cause problems with breathing, vision, hearing and other functions. Hemiplegia is one of the most common congenital conditions affecting approximately 1 in every 100 births worldwide (World Health Organization). Hemiplegia is usually caused by a genetic defect or injury to the developing brain. Other causes include head trauma, infection, tumors and strokes. Hemiplegia can affect any part of the body but it is most commonly seen in children under five years old.
The main symptoms of hemiplegia are: difficulty breathing; shortness of breath; slurred speech; trouble seeing clearly in low light situations; and weakness on one side of the body. There may also be problems with balance and coordination. If left untreated, these symptoms can lead to death.
In some cases, hemiplegia may result in permanent damage to the brain resulting in severe mental retardation. However, if treated early enough, many patients recover their ability to walk normally. Treatment options include surgery (hemisection) or medications (cyproheptadine).
About this condition
Conditions associated with Hemiplegia
Apnea: There may be episodes of stopping breathing; this is called apnea. A combination of apnea and low oxygen levels will result in blue spells, fainting or a sudden loss of energy. Some babies will appear to have a seizure when having an apnea attack. Apnea is a common condition that can be life-threatening.
In some cases, apnea can lead to brain damage or death. Apnea is the most common cause of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Respiratory problems: There may be constant respiratory problems such as wheezing or trouble exhaling. These may result in frequent ear infections or pneumonia. Serious respiratory problems can cause shortness of breath, coughing spells, difficulty breathing or even heart failure.
Vision problems: There may be vision problems such as tunnel vision or double vision.
Mental Retardation: If left untreated, the effects of hemiplegia can result in severe mental retardation. Some children may not achieve normal intelligence levels even after treatment.
Paralysis: Most cases of hemiplegia will result in paralysis on one side of the body. Paralysis can affect just the extremities or it can affect the entire body.
Sources & references used in this article:
Displaced intracapsular hip fractures: hemiarthroplasty or total arthroplasty? by EC Rodríguez-Merchán – Clinical Orthopaedics and Related …, 2002 – journals.lww.com
Hemiarthroplasty for severe fractures of the proximal humerus by U Prakash, DW McGurty, JA Dent – Journal of shoulder and elbow surgery, 2002 – Elsevier
The lever arm in glenohumeral abduction after hemiarthroplasty by AB Rietveld, HA Daanen… – The Journal of …, 1988 – online.boneandjoint.org.uk
