Stroke paralysis, also known as hemiplegia, usually occurs on the side of the body opposite from the side of the brain affected by stroke. For example, if a stroke occurred in the brainβs left hemisphere, you may experience paralysis on the right side of your body.
This occurs because each half of the brain controls movement on the opposite side of the body. Certain parts of the brain, such as the motor cortex, send a complex array of signals to the muscles in the body. These signals enable you to move your muscles on command.
However, when a severe stroke damages these areas of the brain, those signals become interrupted. As a result, the muscles are not able to respond to the brainβs directions, resulting in paralysis. Keep in mind that the muscles themselves are not damaged. Rather, they are simply not receiving the signals from the brain that tell them to move.
This lack of communication does not only cause paralysis, but can lead to other secondary effects. Some common symptoms that often accompany stroke paralysis include:
Spasticity: stiff, tight muscles due to muscle spasm
Contractures: soft tissue shortening caused by extremely stiff muscles, which can impede movement across a joint
Foot drop: inability to lift the toes up towards the shin, causing tripping or difficulty walking
Dysphagia: difficulty swallowing
Speech impairment: slurred speech or different types of aphasia