Categories: HEALTH & WELLNESS

Hemiplegia in Children

Hemiplegia condition in which one side of the body is afflicted. When made reference to it in a person it is referred to as right or left side Hemiplegia. When it is present in children it is listed a type of Cerebral Palsy. It consist in damage of a part of the brain in which controls the muscles It can occur either during birth or shortly there after, however, it can also occur as the child ages. When it is displayed later on in a their childhood up to age two. It is then commonly known as acquired Hemiplegia. When injury occurs if it happens on right side of brain the left side of body and if the left side is injured it affects the right side of body. This is a common condition which is said to afflict every one child out of 1,000 children.

The reason for this condition is to date still unknown. What is known is present amount of weakness in the body in various degrees along with not being able to control the side of body which is affected. This can include such things as bare minimum ability to use one hand, unstable balance, walking difficulty, low intelligence quotients(IQ) and delays in normal skills of child like rolling over.

There also can be more medical issues that become linked to this condition such as epilepsy, speech and behavior issues.

Physicians can not really forecast the problems a child may have in the future from this condition. Basically the only thing that can be done is the old adage of wait and see method.

A major portion of children with this condition attend regular schools and require little to no additional help. It is vital that the teachers your child has is aware of the condition and necessary information be given to them so they will be able to aide your child properly.

This is not listed as a disease but a condition and there is no known cure at this present time. There are treatments available that can decrease the symptoms the child has. Conventional treatments dictate medications to control muscle spasms and anti seizure medications for those children who suffer from seizures. Orthopedic braces, splints and shoes have been used to help maintain stability in their body.

There are alternative treatments that can help with condition. Some are listed below:

Robotic Therapy

A device developed in which helps teach children how to walk. Patient is placed in a harness over a treadmill along with a robotic leg harness. The robot produces walking motions which are continually repeated that in turn strengthens the leg muscles. Children over four years of age can use this type of therapy.

Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs

Neuro acupuncture is used for this condition. Neuro acupuncture blends several acupuncture methods that are particularly developed for neurological disease and injuries. It uses two specific kinds of scalp acupuncture. Electric acupuncture and needle cauterization. It applies Dao Yin and Qi Gong, wrist and ankle acupuncture. It is stated that this type of acupuncture is required to be done three times each day. In addition an herbal brain powder is given also three times per day. The brain powder can contain herbs such as blessed thistle and gota kola.

Chiropractic

The applied treatments of vertebral subluxations improves muscle tones and independent functions along with daily routine movements. Upper cervical care has shown progress in several different areas which include sleeping had improved, decreased pain and few respiratory and other infections.

Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy will allow strengthening in the muscles and teaches the child practical motor skills. Physical therapist helps by showing them how they can do things for their self. The physical therapist will plan a therapy designed to specifically fit the child’s needs.

Play Therapy

Children with hemiplegia can sometimes find it difficult to separate movements mad with their fingers., placing palm upward, or even holding and letting go of things. A few ideas used in this therapy include taking candy out of egg cartons and crumbling up soft paper in their hands.

For teaching them to turn hand over things like wringing out a damp towel and playing with money in the method of taking and giving it to another person.

Music Therapy

By way of letting children play instruments such as drums where both hands need to hold sticks and move arm up and down on drum to make sounds. Music therapy encourages the child by building there confidence within themselves and aides in general coordination skills.

Ayurveda Medicine and Treatments

Virechana which is a purgation therapy that is said to remove toxins (Pitta) from the body in which are reserved in the liver and gallbladder. It totally purifies the gastrointestinal tract. There are no known side effects to this treatment.

Pakshaghat massage is used to treat the limbs affected with paralysis. The oils used include sesame and bala.

Nutrition

Do to the condition children have a very hard time with weight gain. A nutritionist or dietician can help device a nutritional plan to suite your child’s needs. Some things included in order to help with weight gain can be puddings, peanut butter, thick shakes and cheese.

Hydro Therapy

Hydro therapy meaning the use of water through various modes such as in whirlpool or swimming pools. Hydro therapy for children is very beneficial. It allows them movements in which they can not do otherwise. At least outside of being in water. It removes the body weight the child feels, assists with motion support. The child does not fear that he may fall down and get hurt.

Spider Therapy

Spider therapy as also called space therapy. It was developed in 1993. In this therapy once again the fear of falling is totally removed. It allows the child’s body weight to become lighter which is calculated. This therapy uses a structure of elastics and specific belts. This allows the child to be taught proper movement and builds up their muscles at the same time.

Homeopathic Remedies

Remedies such as Rhus Toxicodendron is to help with paralysis in lower extremities. However, it is advised not to be used in chronic cases of paralysis. Gleseminum is said to help motor paralysis.

As with any herbal treatments make sure you seek qualified advice from a herbalist, naturopathic practitioner, medicine man or woman. Also, advise your primary care practitioner before beginning any herbal treatments as some herbs may interfere with certain medications.

Sources:

Children’s Hemiplegia and Stroke Association

Hemiplegia Treatment

Hemi Help

WNDU News

Neuro Acupuncture

Chiropractic Resources

Cerebral Palsy Source

Ayurveda

Ayushevda

Caring Force Cerebral Palsy

Sunrise Therapy