What Is Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy?

What is hemiplegic cerebral palsy?

Cerebral palsy is a group of conditions that affect movement and posture. In hemiplegic cerebral palsy, the effects are mainly on one side of the body, and Cerebral Palsy Alliance describes hemiplegia as unilateral cerebral palsy affecting one arm and one leg on one side (Cerebral Palsy Alliance).

Hemiplegia cerebral palsy compared with other types

Cerebral palsy is often described by which parts of the body are affected, and the pattern helps professionals plan support.

• These descriptions come from the Cerebral Palsy Alliance, and the wider picture is in our guide to types of cerebral palsy.
• Some people also use the term monoplegia cerebral palsy when one limb is mainly affected, so ask your specialist which description fits.

Spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy

Spastic hemiplegia describes one-sided cerebral palsy where the affected muscles are stiff and tight.

• Spastic cerebral palsy is the most common form, at 70-80% of cerebral palsy, according to Cerebral Palsy Alliance.
• Dyskinetic cerebral palsy (6%) involves involuntary movements, and ataxic (6%) involves shaky movements affecting balance.
• Mixed cerebral palsy is a combination of types, so a person can have features of more than one.
• healthdirect says spasticity is the most common problem in cerebral palsy.

Read more in our guides to spastic cerebral palsy and dyskinetic cerebral palsy.

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Hemiplegic cerebral palsy symptoms

Symptoms vary a lot between people, and no single list applies to everyone. healthdirect lists cerebral palsy symptoms that include the following (healthdirect).

• Stiffness or floppiness in the muscles.
• Exaggerated reflexes or jerking.
• Muscle weakness.
• Uncontrolled movements.
• Balance and coordination problems.
• Difficulty with swallowing, sucking or eating (more in signs and symptoms of cerebral palsy).

Right and left sided hemiplegia cerebral palsy

Right hemiplegic and left hemiplegic cerebral palsy simply describe which side of the body is affected. Both are forms of unilateral cerebral palsy.

• A physiotherapist or occupational therapist can suggest options that suit you or your child.

Hemiplegic cerebral palsy in adults

Adults with hemiplegia can ask for their needs to be reviewed as work, study, family life or daily tasks change.

• Ask your GP for a review of your mobility, pain, fatigue and hand function if daily tasks are getting harder.
• Talk to a physiotherapist or occupational therapist about stretching, strengthening, equipment and home set-up.
• Think about workplace adjustments, such as a keyboard layout, seating or a flexible start time, and ask your employer what is available.
• Keep a copy of recent medical and therapy reports, because they are useful evidence if you apply to the NDIS or ask for a plan review.

How is hemiplegic cerebral palsy assessed in Australia?

Assessment is made by health professionals, not by a checklist. healthdirect says symptoms usually appear in the first 2 years and diagnosis is usually confirmed by age 2.

1. 1Talk to your GP. Describe what you have noticed, when it started and how it affects movement or feeding.
2. 2Ask for a referral. Your GP may refer you to a paediatrician, neurologist or developmental clinic.
3. 3Attend the assessment. Specialists examine movement, muscle tone, reflexes and development, and may arrange other tests.
4. 4Ask about next steps. Ask which therapists, equipment and community supports could help.

• Our guide to how cerebral palsy is diagnosed explains this in more detail.
• The guide to what causes cerebral palsy covers why it happens.

Support and therapies

Support is built around the person’s goals, and the right mix differs from one person to another. Our guide to treatment for cerebral palsy describes the options, and your specialist can advise on what suits you.

• Physiotherapy and occupational therapy to build movement, hand skills and independence in daily tasks.
• Speech pathology if speech, swallowing or eating is affected.
• Equipment such as orthoses, adapted cutlery or mobility aids, recommended by a therapist.
• Support workers for personal care, community access and help around the home, which may be funded by the NDIS if you meet the access requirements.
• Information on mild cerebral palsy if your needs are lighter but still affect daily life.

When to talk to a GP or specialist

These are reasons to book an appointment, not signs of an emergency.

• Your baby cannot hold up their head by 4 months, is not sitting up by 9 months or is not walking by 18 months.
• You notice that one side of your child’s body moves less, feels stiffer or is used less than the other.
• Feeding, sucking or swallowing seems difficult, or your child is often unsettled during meals.
• An adult with hemiplegia notices new pain, weakness, falls or loss of skills.
• You are unsure which supports to ask for, and want help to prepare for an NDIS plan or review.

Call 000 in an emergency.

TQN Care support workers help with personal care, community access, respite and help around the home across Sydney, Melbourne and surrounding areas (NSW & VIC). Tell us what you need and we will call you back.

Your next step

If you or your family member has hemiplegic cerebral palsy and wants practical help at home or in the community, TQN Care can help. Our NDIS services cover personal care, community access, respite and help around the home across Sydney, Melbourne and surrounding areas (NSW & VIC). We do not provide medical treatment, and we work alongside your therapists and health professionals. Make a referral and we will call you to talk through what you need.