Hemiplegia is a relatively common, lifelong condition caused by a brain injury which affects movement on one side of the body (often referred to as ‘left’ or ‘right hemiplegia’ depending on the side affected). It can also cause less visible conditions such as epilepsy, specific learning difficulties, anxiety or challenging behaviour.
Sometimes called hemiparesis, hemiplegia is caused by injuries to parts of the brain that control movements of the limbs, trunk and face etc. This can occur before, during or soon after birth when it is known as congenital hemiplegia or unilateral cerebral palsy. If it occurs later in life as the result of an injury or illness (such as a stroke) is it called acquired hemiplegia.
Hemiplegia is sometimes referred to as a form of cerebral palsy which is a descriptive name for a wider group of conditions where movement and posture are affected due to an injury to the brain. Although it is a lifelong condition, it is non-progressive meaning it does not get worse over time.
There are many different side affects of hemiplegia and everyone is affected differently. The most obvious symptoms are a degree of weakness, stiffness and lack of control in the affected side of the body (similar to the effects of a stroke).
People with weakened or stiff muscles and joints, caused by hemiplegia may use a wheelchair if mobility is affected. It can be difficult to find quality, fashionable clothing which is comfortable and suitable for wheelchair users. At Able2 Wear, we have developed a collection of adaptable clothing for wheelchair users. Our wheelchair trousers and wheelchair shorts have been specially designed with a higher back and lower front, making them ideal and comfortable to wear whilst sitting in a wheelchair. We've also designed a range of wheelchair waterproofs and wheelchair fleeces which have been adapted to make them easy for people to put on and take off without leaving the wheelchair.
Browse our collection of adaptive clothing here.
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