Overview

An encephalocele is a rare congenital type of neural tube defect (NTD) where part of the skull has not formed properly during fetal development, so a portion of brain tissue and associated structures are outside the skull. The protruding sac may be covered with skin or it may be covered with a thin membrane can occur anywhere along the skull, but most common in the back of the head, top of the head, or between the forehead and nose with multiple complications like Buildup of fluid in the brain, loss of strength in the arms and legs, developmental delay, intellectual disability, seizures. Encephaloceles can vary in size, from a small protrusion to a sphere that’s the same volume as the skull. If the encephalocele is large, the baby’s head may be too big to fit through the birth canal, which may require a cesarean section. Treatment usually happens shortly after birth or within the first few months to a year, depending on the size, location and effects the condition has on your baby. Children usually need more than one surgery to treat this condition. Surgery can also treat facial growth irregularities and hydrocephalus.

Types of encephalocele

The types of encephalocele identify the location of the opening in the skull:

• Occipital: The lower back of your baby’s head.
• Parietal: Top, nearest the back of your baby’s head.
• Frontoethmoidal (also called sincipital): Near your baby’s forehead.
• Sphenoidal: Front-middle or behind your baby’s eyes and in front of their ears.

In addition, you may hear your child’s healthcare provider mention two broader categories of encephalocele:

• Anterior: Front of your child’s skull.
• Posterior: Back of their skull.

Causes

A newborn with encephalocele will have a gap in their skull that isn’t closed. This causes a bulge or sac of brain tissue covered in skin coming out of the skull opening. This can look similar to a balloon coming out of your child’s head. Depending on where the skull opening is, the skin on the sac may have hair on it.

Most encephaloceles are congenital (meaning you’re born with it), but some can be acquired as a result of trauma, tumor or other rare conditions such as idiopathic intracranial hypertension.

The skull opening can happen anywhere on their head. It’s most common on the forehead or the lower back of their head near the base of your baby’s skull.

The exact reason why the neural tube doesn’t close completely is unknown. Research suggests it could be the result of:

• A genetic change that happens during conception.
• An infection (toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus).
• A neurological (brain or nerve) condition (like type 3 Chiari malformation).

An underlying medical condition may lead to encephalocele. These conditions include:

• Walker-Warburg syndrome.
• Knobloch syndrome.
• Roberts syndrome.
• Amniotic band syndrome.

Signs and symptoms

• Headache.
• Visual problems.
• Muscle weakness in arms and legs.
• A smaller-than-expected head size at birth.
• Uncoordinated movements (ataxia).
• Facial malformations.
• Nasal obstruction.
• Spinal fluid leaking from nose or ear.

Diagnosis and Tests

If the encephalocele is large, it may be seen on routine prenatal ultrasound, which may allow planning of a caesarean section if it could be risky to have the baby vaginally. Otherwise, in most cases an encephalocele will be visible at birth so is easily diagnosed. Very small encephaloceles, especially those in the nose/forehead area may not be so visible.

Once an encephalocele is suspected, the diagnosis will usually be confirmed with imaging scans, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. This will allow doctors to see exactly how much of the skull is affected and whether the sac contains meninges or brain tissue or both.

As encephaloceles can be associated with other problems, so the doctors will examine the child closely to check if this is the case.

Treatment and Prevention

Treatment for encephalocele is surgery to repair the skull and remove brain tissue that grew outside of the skull. Often, the portion of the brain that’s outside of the skull isn’t functional and can be removed. When the opening is small, sometimes, the brain can be gently moved back into the skull before a surgeon repairs the skull.

Treatment usually happens shortly after birth or within the first few months to a year, depending on the size, location and effects the condition has on your baby.

Children usually need more than one surgery to treat this condition. Surgery can also treat facial growth irregularities and hydrocephalus.

As your child grows, they may need additional support to treat associated conditions like:

• Special education programs in school.
• Medications for seizures.
• Glasses for vision problems.

There’s no known way to prevent encephalocele. You can reduce your risk of having a child with a neural tube defect by getting plenty of folic acid.

Talk to your healthcare provider before you plan on becoming pregnant. They may recommend you take 400 mcg of folic acid daily, even if you don’t plan to get pregnant right away. Neural tube defects (NTDs) happen in the first month of pregnancy. This is often before you even know you’re pregnant, which is why it’s essential to start taking folic acid early.

In addition, let your healthcare provider know if you have a family history of NTDs or if you had a child with an NTD. Your provider can help you prevent future NTDs.

To conclude

Babies can survive encephalocele. Treatment with surgery to repair the skull can help them survive. Babies with large skull openings may have more symptoms and complications than babies with smaller openings. This increases their risk of life-threatening outcomes or a shorter life expectancy.

Studies found that newborns with skull openings near the front of their heads have a better outcome than babies with openings in the back of their heads.

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Overview

Any space-occupying lesion within the cervical spine with the potential to compress the spinal cord can cause cervical myelopathy. The most common type is cervical spondylotic myelopathy, which happens after natural changes to your body as you age. It can cause neck pain, muscle weakness and numbness, among other symptoms. Surgery treats cervical myelopathy.

Once the disorder is diagnosed, complete remission to normality never occurs and spontaneous temporary remission is uncommon. In 75% of the patients, episodic worsening with neurological deterioration occurs, 20% have slow steady progression, and 5% experience rapid onset and progression.

Symptoms and Causes

The symptoms of cervical myelopathy and cervical spondylotic myelopathy include:

• Neck pain or stiffness.
• Numbness or tingling in your hands and arms.
• Muscle weakness in your hands and arms.
• Loss of balance and difficulty walking.
• Difficulty with fine motor skills (like buttoning a shirt or holding silverware).

Common causes of compression include:

• Bone spurs.
• Herniated disk.
• Narrow cervical canal (birth defect).
• Rheumatoid arthritis.
• Spondylolisthesis.
• Spinal degeneration.
• Spinal stenosis.
• Traumatic injury.
• Tumor.

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy happens due to age-related changes that affect the structure and function of parts of your spine in your neck (spinal degeneration). These changes narrow the spinal canal (the opening where your spinal cord sits), which puts pressure on your spinal cord. Degenerative changes are a natural part of getting older.

Risk factors for cervical myelopathy..

Cervical myelopathy can affect anyone at any age. Studies show it’s more common among people of Asian descent older than 30 years.

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy can affect anyone as well, but it’s more common among men and people assigned male at birth and adults after age 40. The average age of a diagnosis is 64.

If left untreated, cervical myelopathy symptoms may get worse. This might cause:

• Severe pain.
• Bowel and bladder dysfunction.
• Nerve damage.
• Difficulty walking (instability, high risk of falls).
• Limited use of your fingers, hands and arms.
• Paralysis.

Overview

Paralysis, paresis, and plegia are all terms related to loss of motor function,  A nervous system problem causes paralysis Even though both paralysis and paresis are related to muscle weakness, there is a significant difference in their severity and how they affect the human body. Plegia, or paralysis, is a complete paralysis of skeletal muscles. whereas paresis is partial or restricted weakness of the muscles. Understanding the differences between paralysis and paresis is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment. Homoeopathic remedies can help improve muscle strength, reduce pain, and support the body’s natural healing processes in addition to this lifestyle changes and physical therapy can also help treat paresis and paralysis.

Overview

One of the functions of your nervous system is to move your body’s muscles. This includes movements that you control (voluntary) and those that you don’t (involuntary).Paralysis occurs when you’re unable to make voluntary muscle movements. When a part of the nervous system becomes damaged, it can disrupt the signaling activity to a muscle or muscle group. This can lead to muscle weakness (paresis) or paralysis in the affected area. Monoplegia is often caused by cerebral palsy. It can also be caused by an injury or trauma to the brain, spinal cord, or affected limb. therefore monoplegia is a form of paralysis that affects just one limb. most commonly an arm, even though it can also affect one of your legs. The main symptom of monoplegia is the inability to move one of your arms or legs. There’s currently no cure for paralysis, including monoplegia. Instead, treatment aims to address the symptoms while improving quality of life.

Causes  Of Monoplegia

Monoplegia is often caused by cerebral palsy. It can also be caused by an injury or trauma to the brain, spinal cord, or affected limb.

Other possible, though less common causes, include:

• stroke
• tumors affecting the brain or spinal cord
• peripheral nerve compression, due to conditions like a herniated disc, bone spurs, or a tumor
• nerve inflammation (neuritis)
• peripheral neuropathy
• a motor neuron disease that affects a single limb, such as monomelic amyotrophy
• autoimmune neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis or Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS)
• Epilepsy
• Aneurysm
• Lumbar radiculopathy

Symptoms of monoplegia paralysis

• Decreased sensation
• Muscle stiffness or spasms
• Feelings of numbness or tingling
• Loss of muscle tone or muscle floppiness
• Curling of the fingers or toes on the affected limb

Diagnosis of monoplegia

Diagnosis of monoplegia involves the following steps:

• Medical History: A detailed medical history of the patient will be taken to gather information about any underlying diseases that may have caused the monoplegia. For example, if there is rapid onset of symptoms, it is suggestive of stroke. Therefore, the medical history will help the doctors to decide on investigations that need to be performed to clinch the diagnosis.
• Physical Examination: A thorough physical exam will be done to assess the condition and help to identify the underlying cause. For example, if there is back pain or radicular pain (pain radiating down the spinal cord), it may be due to compression of the nerves, possibly by a tumor. The physical exam will also detect any motor weakness or loss of sensation in the affected limb.
• Computed Tomography (CT) Scan: This imaging technique involves a combination of X-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images (‘slices’) of internal body structures. CT scanning can be used for the diagnosis of stroke and its complications such as hemorrhage or bleeding.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): This imaging technique uses a magnetic field combined with radio waves and a computer to produce very detailed and accurate images of the internal structures. MRI is the imaging modality of choice for diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke. MRI can also detect brachial neuritis caused by varicella-zoster virus (VZV).
• Electromyography (EMG): This technique assesses muscle function. Electrical sensors are attached to the affected limb and the electrical activities of the nerves that innervate the muscles are measured. For example, conditions such as brachial plexopathy can be diagnosed by performing nerve conduction studies using EMG.

Monoplegia vs Hemiplegia

Monoplegia and hemiplegia are both types of paralysis. but how do they vary from each other?

Monoplegia is paralysis that affects a single limb of the upper or lower part of the body. so, for instance, if you had monoplegia and could not move your right arm, you would still be able to move your right leg. hemiplegia is paralysis that affects one side of the body. either/or the right side or the left side of the body can be affected.

If you had hemiplegia on your right side you would not be able to move your right arm and right leg. the muscles on the right side of your face might further be affected. spell the two conditions are dissimilar hemiplegia and monoplegia share many of the same potential causes. this can include things like injury, stroke, and cerebral palsy.

Treatment for Monoplegia

There’s currently no cure for paralysis, including monoplegia. Instead, treatment aims to address the symptoms while improving quality of life.

Treating the underlying cause of monoplegia is important.

Some of the potential treatment options for monoplegia include:

• Physical therapy: PT can be used to help maintain or build strength, flexibility, and mobility in the affected limb. Stretches, exercises, or massage may be used to help stimulate muscles and nerves.
• Occupational therapy: Occupational therapy teaches different techniques to make it easier to perform everyday tasks like getting dressed, bathing, or cooking.
• Assistive devices: These devices can make day-to-day activities easier. A few examples include walkers, wheelchairs, specialized grips and handles, and voice-activated devices.
• Medications: Medications may help reduce some of the symptoms associated with monoplegia. Examples include pain medications to alleviate discomfort and muscle relaxants for muscle stiffness or spasms.
• Surgery: If monoplegia is due to a tumor or nerve compression, surgery may be needed.

Conclusion

Monoplegia can affect the upper or lower body, either one arm or one leg. Symptoms can appear suddenly or progress gradually over time. Monoplegia is often caused by cerebral palsy. But it can also be the result of an injury or trauma to the brain, spinal cord, or the affected limb. Although monoplegia can sometimes improve over time, it may be permanent in some individuals. Treatment options typically focus on alleviating symptoms and improving quality of life.

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Overview

Paraplegia is a type of paralysis characterized by the loss of motor, sensory, and limb function in the lower half of the body. It is a result of severe damage to the spinal cord and the nervous system or a result of an accident or a chronic condition. Paraplegia mainly affects the trunk, legs, and the pelvic region. You might have trouble moving your legs, feet, and stomach muscles. A doctor may prescribe physical or occupational therapy to help with pain and muscle issues. Physical therapy can also help a person preserve their strength and range of motion. Devices to support mobility, such as a wheelchair or a mobility scooter, are usually necessary. A doctor might also suggest some medications. For example, taking muscle-relaxing medications can help with pain or spasms. Taking blood-thinning medications will reduce the risk of blood clots. In some cases, surgery might be necessary. Surgery can help with swelling and removing lesions. There are currently no treatments to prevent or reverse paraplegia. However, it is possible to treat some of the symptoms and complications that occur. It is also possible for some people to regain partial or complete control over affected areas with time.

Types of Paraplegia

The type of Paraplegia depends on the symptoms and severity of the condition. Some common types of Paraplegia are mentioned below.

Complete Paraplegia

Complete Paraplegia is the total loss of motor and sensory function in the lower body due to spinal cord injury or disease. It can often lead to loss of bladder or bowel control.

Partial Paraplegia

Partial paralysis involves limited muscle function and sensation loss due to nerve damage or injury. Unlike complete paralysis, some movement and feeling remain, though they may be impaired.

Traumatic Paraplegia

Traumatic Paraplegia occurs when a severe injury, like a spinal cord trauma resulting from accidents, falls, or sports-related incidents, leads to paralysis of the lower body. This condition disrupts nerve signals between the brain and lower limbs, causing loss of sensation and movement control.

Non-Traumatic Paraplegia

Non-traumatic Paraplegia refers to lower body paralysis not caused by physical injuries. It can result from conditions like spinal tumors, infections, autoimmune diseases, or congenital abnormalities. Nerve signal disruption causes loss of sensation and motor function. Treatment involves addressing the underlying cause and rehabilitation and assistive measures to improve daily living and mobility.

Spastic Paraplegia

Spastic Paraplegia is a neurological disorder characterized by muscle stiffness and weakness, predominantly affecting the legs. It often stems from genetic mutations impacting nerve cells that control movement. This condition leads to difficulty in walking and coordination. Management includes therapies to alleviate symptoms and enhance functional abilities.

Congenital Paraplegia

Congenital Paraplegia is a rare condition present at birth, involving partial or complete paralysis of the lower body. It can result from genetic mutations, prenatal factors, or developmental issues affecting the spinal cord. Medical intervention and therapies support affected individuals in managing mobility challenges and maximizing their independence and quality of life.

Causes

People with paraplegia usually have an injury to the brain or spinal cord that prevents signaling to the lower body. The loss of signaling causes paralysis of the lower body.

According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, since 38.3% of spinal injuries have been the result of a vehicle accident, and 31.6% have been from falls. Some other common causes include violent crimes and sporting accidents.

Some chronic conditions can also lead to paraplegia. Conditions that might cause paraplegia include:

• tumors or lesions of the spine or brain
• neurological conditions, such as strokeTrusted Source or cerebral palsyTrusted Source
• autoimmune conditions, such as multiple sclerosis

There are many symptoms that can occur in paraplegia. Sometimes, these symptoms will change over time, or even from day to day.

Symptoms might include:

• a loss of sensation in the lower body
• impaired mobility
• weight gain
• depression
• phantom bouts of pain or sensation in the lower body
• chronic pain
• sexual dysfunction
• difficulty with bladder and bowel function
• secondary infections, such as bedsores and skin problems
• autonomic dysreflexia

To diagnose paraplegia, a doctor will assess the person’s symptoms and medical history. They may also ask about recent accidents and whether or not the person has any family history of certain conditions.

It is important that they establish the cause of paraplegia to determine the most suitable treatment options.

Diagnosing paraplegia will usually involve medical imaging. These tests help doctors assess the damage and identify the cause of paralysis. For example, they might use an MRI scan, a CT scan, or an X-ray.

To test nerve functioning, the doctor may use electromyography. This test measures the body’s responses to the stimulation of the muscle.

Treatment Options for Paraplegia

There are several options for treating and managing Paraplegia. Depending on the condition and the severity, rehabilitation, assistive devices, medications, surgery, adaptive strategies, psychotherapy, and experimental therapies are options.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is pivotal in treating Paraplegia by enhancing muscle strength, flexibility, coordination, and overall mobility in the affected areas. Therapists employ exercises and techniques tailored to the individual’s needs and abilities. This helps improve range of motion, prevent muscle atrophy, manage spasticity, and develop adaptive strategies for daily activities. To maximize functional independence and enhance the quality of life for people with paraplegia, regular physical therapy sessions are a necessity.

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy is essential in paraplegia treatment, concentrating on developing practical skills for independent living. Therapists teach techniques for tasks such as self-care, home management, and work-related activities. They recommend adaptive equipment and strategies to enhance the individual’s ability to navigate daily life, fostering self-sufficiency and improving overall well-being despite the challenges posed by Paraplegia.

Medications

Medications are used to manage various aspects of Paraplegia. Muscle relaxants can help alleviate spasticity and muscle stiffness. Pain relievers address discomfort. Antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs assist with emotional well-being. Blood-thinning medications reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis—bladder and bowel control medications aid in managing urinary and fecal functions. To enhance mobility and quality of life for individuals with paraplegia, medication plans are tailored to their individual needs. These plans are usually combined with other treatments, such as physical therapy. It is best to consult a medical professional before starting any medication or treatment.

Assistive Devices

Assistive devices are crucial for paraplegia management. Wheelchairs provide mobility, while braces and orthotics support weakened muscles and aid stability. Adaptive tools like reachers, dressing aids, and modified utensils enhance independence in daily tasks. These devices empower individuals to navigate their environment and maintain a more fulfilling life despite mobility challenges.

Surgical Interventions

Surgical interventions address Paraplegia by relieving spinal cord compression, repairing fractures, or correcting deformities. Procedures like decompression surgeries remove pressure on the cord, while stabilization surgeries ensure spinal stability. Surgical options are tailored to the underlying cause and aim to alleviate symptoms, enhance function, and improve overall quality of life.

Rehabilitation Centers

Rehabilitation centers play a vital role in paraplegia treatment, offering comprehensive programs to improve physical, functional, and emotional well-being. Skilled professionals, including physical and occupational therapists, work to enhance mobility, independence, and adaptive skills. These centers provide tailored exercise regimens, mobility training, assistive technology guidance, and psychological support. By focusing on holistic rehabilitation, individuals with Paraplegia can regain self-confidence and maximize their potential for a fulfilling life.

Common Risk Factors for Paraplegia

Various factors contribute to the likelihood of developing paraplegia, ranging from traumatic incidents to medical conditions and genetic predispositions.

• Traumatic incidents like automobile accidents, falls, and sports injuries leading to spinal cord damage
• Medical conditions such as spinal tumors, infections, and degenerative disorders
• Engaging in activities with a higher potential for spinal injuries, such as extreme sports
• Certain congenital conditions or genetic predispositions increasing the risk of developing paraplegia

Conclusion

Paraplegia is a type of paralysis that affects the lower half of your body. It affects your ability to walk, stand, and do other actions that require control of your legs, feet, pelvic muscles, and stomach.

Paraplegia is generally the result of an injury, but it can also be caused by conditions that damage your spinal cord or brain. There is no cure for paraplegia, but with comprehensive rehabilitation, adaptive strategies, and advancements in assistive technologies, many individuals can significantly improve mobility, independence, and overall quality of life.

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Overview

Hemiparesis or hemiplegia are the medical terms, for paralysis of one half of the body. Hemiplegia is a symptom of brain or spinal cord damage where as Hemiparesis refers to weakness in one leg, arm, or side of the face. Hemiplegia describes severe or complete unilateral loss of strength or paralysis. Both may result from a stroke and other conditions. Hemiparesis and hemiplegia may have the same cause, but depending on the severity and location of brain and spinal damage, you may develop one or the other.

Hemiparesis and hemiplegia are both inherently unpredictable, with symptoms that may change over time. Prompt intervention, including extensive physical therapy, can substantially improve the chances of a full recovery. Psychotherapy is also important, since the overwhelming nature of these injuries can interfere with a patient’s ability and willingness to stick with treatment.

Every patient is different, but there is no way to conclusively predict the prognosis of these disorders. Some people spontaneously recover, even with no treatment. Others make little progress, even with extensive treatment. In general, however, the more aggressively a patient works to recover some functionality, the more likely a full or partial recovery becomes.

Hemiparesis and Hemiplegia Causes

There are a number of conditions that can cause hemiparesis or hemiplegia. Examples of hemiparesis and hemiplegia causes include strokes, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, infections, and a handful of other conditions affecting the central nervous system.

Both hemiparesis and hemiplegia are nervous system disorders, not caused by injury to the affected side of the body. For example, an injury to the spinal cord or brain interferes with the body’s ability to send or receive signals to the region of the body affected by the injury. So, while the left or right side of the body haven’t been damaged directly, the spinal cord injury may cause hemiparesis or hemiplegia.

The most common cause of both injuries is a stroke. Strokes interfere with blood flow to the brain. If a region of the brain that affects movement or perception is affected, hemiparesis or hemiplegia may develop. The affected region is usually the opposite of the side of the brain affected, so an injury to the right side of the brain will affect the left side of the body.

Some other causes of hemiparesis and hemiplegia include:

• Brain infections such as meningitis or encephalitis
• Brain cancer or lesions
• Damage to the neurons due to a degenerative disorder such as Parkinson’s
• Traumatic injuries, such as a blow to the head during a car accident
• Congenital disorders such as cerebral palsy

Rarely, psychological conditions can manifest as hemiparesis or hemiplegia. When this occurs, doctors must treat the psychological issue, not the physical symptoms.

Right Hemiplegia vs Left Hemiplegia

Left hemiplegia is the paralysis of limbs on the left side of the body, while right hemiplegia indicates paralysis on the right side of the body. Like hemiparesis, right or left hemiplegia may be caused by damage to the nervous system.

One common cause of left or right hemiplegia is an incomplete spinal cord injury. In an incomplete SCI, only part of the spinal cord is severed, so there may still be some function below the injury site. For example, an incomplete spinal cord injury in the cervical spinal cord might paralyze the left side of the body while leaving the right side functional — though this isn’t guaranteed because the specific nerves severed may alter the effects of the injury.

Right Hemiparesis vs Left Hemiparesis

As the name implies, right hemiparesis is weakness on the right side of the body, while left hemiparesis is weakness on the left side of the body. What causes this weakness in one side of the body and not the other varies, but damage to the nervous system from injury, infection, or degenerative conditions can result in hemiparesis.

In the case of degenerative conditions such as multiple sclerosis or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), hemiparesis may progress into hemiplegia with time.

Did you ever thought why is only one side of the body affected?

Your spinal cord and brain have a left side and a right side. The halves are identical. Each half controls the movements on one side of the body.

An injury to one side of the spinal cord or brain may result in weakness or paralysis on the side of the body that half controls.

If you have multiple strokes on both sides of the brain, you may experience hemiparesis or hemiplegia on both sides of the body.

Symptoms of Hemiplegia & Hemiparesis

Hemiplegia is more severe than hemiparesis. It involves a complete loss of strength or paralysis (inability to move) on one side of the body. It may affect your arm, face, or leg only, or all of them.

Although the paralysis may not be extensive (whole body), it could affect your ability to:

• breath
• swallow
• speak
• control your bladder
• control your bowel
• move one side of your body

It’s common for hemiparesis to unevenly affect one side of the body. The disorder is on a continuum, with symptoms ranging from minor and sporadic to extensive and severe. signs include:

•  Difficulties with motor skills, particularly standing.
• Weakness in large areas on one side of the body. For example, a patient might be unable to lift his or her arms.
• Pusher syndrome: a common byproduct of traumatic brain injuries, pusher syndrome causes a person with hemiparesis to shift their weight to the affected side, thereby undermining motor skills and making walking difficult and potentially painful. Doctors use a scale to assess the severity of pusher syndrome. This scale can help doctors make accurate prognostications, in addition to identifying the cause of symptoms.
• Strain on the unaffected side of the body, which may overcompensate for injuries on the hemiparetic side.
• Unusual sensations or tingling on the affected side.

Importantly, doctors will look for injuries on the affected side to rule out other causes, such as pinched nerves, muscle strains, or loss of blood flow.

Diagnosing hemiparesis and hemiplegia

A doctor will most likely use a number of diagnostic procedures and imaging tests to diagnose hemiparesis and hemiplegia.

These might include:

• X-ray
• magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• computerized tomography (CT) scan
• electromyography (EMG)
• myelography (imaging test of your spinal cord)

Treatment for Hemiparesis and Hemiplegia

Though hemiparesis and hemiplegia produce different symptoms, they are substantially similar in cause and treatment. To treat either condition, a doctor will first look at what caused the symptoms. When an infection, growth, or other medical issue causes symptoms, a doctor may first address these symptoms. When a stroke is the culprit, the stroke itself cannot be reversed, but a number of treatments may help restore some or all functioning:

• Physical, occupational, or exercise therapy to restore functioning and help the brain work around the injury.
• Assistive devices such as walkers or wheelchairs.
• Occupational therapy to support independence.
• Psychotherapy to address the psychological impact of a severe injury.
• Alternative treatments such as acupuncture and dietary changes.

Conclusion

Though the symptoms are different, the two conditions are essentially different versions of the same underlying problem. Mild to moderate nerve or brain damage will produce hemiparesis, while moderate to severe nerve or brain damage will result in hemiplegia. Moreover, the same injury can produce both symptoms at different times. This is especially true when nerves are compressed or the spinal cord is swollen, since changes in swelling or compression can also produce changes in symptoms.

People living with hemiplegia  and hemiparesis usually undergo a combination of rehabilitation therapy, which typically involves physical therapists, mental health professionals, and rehabilitation .

In addition to this if you or your loved ones are looking for medical opinion abroad feel free to email us the medical reports on query@gtsmeditour.com or you can WhatsApp us +91 9880149003

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Overview

Hemiplegia (hemi = half; plegia = paralysis), as the name suggests, literally means paralysis of half of the body, is a type of paralysis of the muscles of the lower face, arm, and leg on one side of the body. hemiplegia is further classified as right or left hemiplegia. Hemiplegia is usually caused by brain damage localized to the cerebral hemisphere opposite the affected side. The most common cause of hemiplegia is stroke, other causes of hemiplegia include trauma eg. spinal cord injury; brain tumours; and brain infections.  hemiplegia can be temporary or permanent. Some causes of hemiplegia are treatable or even reversible with immediate medical care.

Hemiplegia may appear soon after birth (i.e., up to approximately two years of life), where it is known as congenital hemiplegia, or hemiplegic cerebral palsy. On the other hand, acquired hemiplegia presents later in life as a result of injury or other pathology. People living with hemiplegia usually undergo a combination of rehabilitation therapy, which typically involves physical therapists, mental health professionals, and rehabilitation therapists.

A person with hemiplegia can experience up to full paralysis on one side of their body and may have trouble speaking or breathing.

IMPORTANT: Hemiplegia is a key sign of a stroke, which is a life-threatening medical emergency. To recognize the symptoms of a stroke, remember to think FAST:

• F is for face. Ask the person to smile. Look for a droop on one or both sides of their face, which is a sign of paralysis (facial hemiplegia) or muscle weakness.
• A is for arm. A person having a stroke often has muscle weakness or paralysis on one side. Ask them to raise their arms. If they have new one-sided weakness or paralysis, one arm will stay higher while the other will sag and drop downward, or won’t raise up at all.
• S is for speech. Strokes often cause a person to lose their ability to speak. They might slur their speech or have trouble choosing the right words.
• T is for time. Time is critical, so don’t wait to get help! If possible, look at your watch or a clock and remember when symptoms start. Telling a healthcare provider about when the symptoms started can help them know what treatment options are best.

Conditions that cause hemiplegia

There are dozens of conditions and circumstances that can cause hemiplegia. Some of the most common causes include:

• Strokes or transient ischemic attacks (TIAs).
• Aneurysms and hemorrhages inside of your brain.
• Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
• Spinal cord injuries.
• Injuries you experience during birth or very early childhood, causing conditions like hemiplegic cerebral palsy.
• Congenital conditions (which you have when you’re born) such as alternating hemiplegia of childhood.
• Facial paralysis conditions like Bell’s palsy.
• Seizures and epilepsy.
• Bleeding in between your brain and its outer layers (subdural hematomas or subarachnoid hemorrhages) or between your skull and your brain’s outer membrane (epidural hematomas).
• Brain tumors (including cancers).
• Nervous system diseases, especially autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, such as multiple sclerosis or progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML).
• Infections that affect your nervous system, like encephalitis, meningitis or Ramsay Hunt syndrome.
• Migraine headaches (when these involve hemiplegia, they’re known as hemiplegic migraines).

Hemiplegia symptoms

Hemiplegia can affect either the left or right side of your body. Whichever side of your brain is affected causes symptoms on the opposite side of your body.

People can have different symptoms from hemiplegia depending on its severity. Symptoms can include:

• muscle weakness or stiffness on one side
• muscle spasticity or permanently contracted muscle
• Loss of motor function
• trouble walking
• poor balance
• trouble grabbing objects
• speech associated trouble.

Children with hemiplegia may also take longer to reach developmental milestones than their peers. They may also use only one hand when playing or keep one hand in a fist.

If hemiplegia is caused by a brain injury, the brain damage can cause symptoms that aren’t specific to hemiplegia, such as:

• memory problems
• trouble concentrating
• speech issues
• behavior changes
• seizures

Diagnosis

Hemiplegia is often diagnosed after reviewing the individual’s past medical history and performing a detailed neurological examination assessing sensory and motor functions.

Additional tests can be conducted in order to determine the underlying cause of hemiplegia. Blood tests, including a

Complete blood count (CBC)

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)

Coagulation tests (e.g., PT, aPTT) can help eliminate various underlying causes, such as infections or malignancies.

Imaging, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Computerized tomography (CT) scans of the head, are necessary in order to exclude most pathologies, including strokes, aneurysms, brain tumors, multiple sclerosis, and injuries.

Lastly, electroencephalography (EEG), which measures the electrical activity of the brain, can be used for diagnostic purposes (e.g., reveal the part(s) of the brain from which seizures originate).

Types of hemiplegia

The following are movement disorders that can cause hemiplegia symptoms.

Facial hemiplegia

People with facial hemiplegia experience paralyzed muscles on one side of their face. Facial hemiplegia may also be coupled with a slight hemiplegia elsewhere in the body.

Spinal hemiplegia

Spinal hemiplegia is also referred to as Brown-Sequard syndromeTrusted Source. It involves damage on one side of the spinal cord that results in paralysis on the same side of the body as the injury. It also causes loss of pain and temperature sensation on the opposite side of the body.

Contralateral hemiplegia

This refers to paralysis on the opposite side of the body that brain damage occurs in.

Spastic hemiplegia

This is a type of cerebral palsy that predominately affects one side of the body. The muscles on the affected side are constantly contracted or spastic.

Alternating hemiplegia of childhood

Alternating hemiplegia of childhood usually affects children younger than 18 months old. It causes recurring episodes of hemiplegia that affect one or both sides of the body.

Hemiplegia symptoms

Hemiplegia can affect either the left or right side of your body. Whichever side of your brain is affected causes symptoms on the opposite side of your body.

People can have different symptoms from hemiplegia depending on its severity. Symptoms can include:

• muscle weakness or stiffness on one side
• muscle spasticity or permanently contracted muscle
• poor fine motor skills
• trouble walking
• poor balance
• trouble grabbing objects

Children with hemiplegia may also take longer to reach developmental milestones than their peers. They may also use only one hand when playing or keep one hand in a fist.

If hemiplegia is caused by a brain injury, the brain damage can cause symptoms that aren’t specific to hemiplegia, such as:

• memory problems
• trouble concentrating
• speech issues
• behavior changes
• seizures

Treatment

Treatment of hemiplegia involves a multidisciplinary approach. Healthcare professionals including physicians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and psychologists must all contribute in order to assist affected individuals in regaining their functionality. Treatment typically aims at improving sensation and motor abilities so that individuals can perform their daily activities with as much independence as possible; as well as treating any underlying pathology causing the hemiplegia.

Physiotherapy

Working with a physiotherapist allows people with hemiplegia to develop their balance ability, build strength, and coordinate movement. A physiotherapist can also help stretch out tight and spastic muscles.

When hemiplegia isn’t temporary, healthcare providers often recommend rehabilitation in addition to other treatments. Rehabilitation can take place in a hospital (inpatient rehabilitation), clinic or office (outpatient rehabilitation), or at home. Rehabilitation generally includes:

• Physical therapy: Focused on leg function, standing, walking and balance.
• Occupational therapy: Focused on arm/hand function and other activities of daily life.
• Prescription of equipment, to enhance safety and the ability to function inside and outside of your home.
• Managing symptoms associated with hemiplegia, such as spasticity and depression.
• Guidance and resources to address the consequences of hemiplegia, for example, returning to work or applying for disability benefits.

Modified constraint-induced movement therapy (MCIMT)

Modified constraint-induced movement therapy involves restraining the side of your body unaffected by hemiplegia. This treatment option forces your weaker side to compensate and aims to improve your muscle control and mobility.

One small studyTrusted Source published in 2018 concluded that including mCIMT in stroke rehabilitation may be more effective than traditional therapies alone.

Assistive devices

Some physical therapists may recommend the use of a brace, cane, wheelchair, or walker. Using an assistive deviceTrusted Source may help improve muscular control and mobility.

It’s a good idea to consult a healthcare professional to find which device is best for you. They may also recommend modifications you can make to your home such as raised toilet seats, ramps, and grab bars.

Mental imagery

Imagining moving the paralyzed half of your body may help activate the parts of the brain responsible for movement. Mental imagery is often paired with other therapies and is rarely used by itself.

One meta-analysis looking at the results of 23 studies found that mental imagery may be an effective treatment option for regaining strength when combined with physical therapy.

Electrical stimulation

A medical professional can help stimulate muscular movement by using electrical pads. The electricity allows muscles that you can’t move consciously to contract. Electrical stimulation aims to reduce imbalances in the affected side of the brain and improve brain plasticityTrusted Source

Hemiplegia is Preventive when you..

• Pursue a healthy lifestyle (stop smoking, drink in moderation)
• Eat a balanced diet
• Attend scheduled check-up appointments
• Avoid exposure to extremes of temperature
• Try to avoid emotional stress
• Avoid physical fatigue
• Protect yourself against respiratory system infections

Conclusion

Hemiplegia is a severe paralysis on one side of your body caused by brain damage. It’s a non-progressive disorder and doesn’t get worse once it develops. With a proper treatment plan, it’s possible to improve the symptoms of hemiplegia.

If you’re living with hemiplegia, you can make the following changes to your lifestyle to aid your rehabilitation:

• Stay active to the best of your ability.
• Modify your home with assistive devices like ramps, grab bars, and handrails.
• Wear flat and supportive shoes.
• Follow your doctor’s recommendation for assistive devices.

Remember to think FAST

• F is for face. Ask the person to smile. Look for a droop on one or both sides of their face, which is a sign of paralysis (facial hemiplegia) or muscle weakness.
• A is for arm. A person having a stroke often has muscle weakness or paralysis on one side. Ask them to raise their arms. If they have new one-sided weakness or paralysis, one arm will stay higher while the other will sag and drop downward, or won’t raise up at all.
• S is for speech. Strokes often cause a person to lose their ability to speak. They might slur their speech or have trouble choosing the right words.
• T is for time. Time is critical, so don’t wait to get help! If possible, look at your watch or a clock and remember when symptoms start. Telling a healthcare provider about when the symptoms started can help them know what treatment options are best.

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Overview

Hemiparesis is the medical term for weakness on one side of the body. It is an early sign of stroke and transient ischemic attacks (TIAs). If you experience sudden hemiparesis in a limb or your face for an unknown reason, you should immediately go to the nearest emergency room (ER). Having this symptom unexpectedly can be an early sign of a stroke. You should also seek immediate medical help if you have any other signs of stroke, including balance issues, vision changes, face and arm drooping and speech difficulties. Hemiparesis is a common after-effect of stroke that causes weakness on one side of the body. This one-sided weakness can limit your movement and affect all basic activities, such as dressing, eating, and walking. People often confuse hemiparesis and hemiplegia. Both conditions occur as the result of a stroke.

Symptoms of hemiparesis

Common signs and symptoms of hemiparesis may include:

• difficulty walking and standing
• loss of balance and coordination
• numbness or tingling on one side of the body
• weakness in one arm or leg
• weakness in one side of the face that causes drooping of an eyelid or corner of the mouth
• numbness or weakness in the tongue that interferes with speech and swallowing
• asymmetry in one side of the body (e.g. lifting both arms and having one of them not come all the way up)

Diagnosis

Blood Tests

Complete blood count. This includes a check for your level of platelets, which are cells that help clot blood. A lab will also measure electrolyte levels in your blood to see how well your kidneys are working.

Clotting time. A pair of tests called PT (prothrombin time) and PTT (partial thromboplastin time) can check how quickly your blood clots. If it takes too long, it could be a sign of bleeding problems.

Imaging Tests

Computerized tomography (CT). Your doctor takes several X-rays from different angles and puts them together to show if there’s any bleeding in your brain or damage to brain cells. They may put dye in your vein first to look for an aneurysm, a thin or weak spot on an artery.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This uses powerful magnets and radio waves to make a detailed picture of your brain. It’s sharper than a CT scan and can show injuries earlier than a traditional CT.

Carotid ultrasound. This uses sound waves to find fatty deposits that may have narrowed or blocked the arteries that carry blood to your brain.

Echocardiogram. Sometimes a clot forms in another part of the body (often the heart) and travels to the brain. This imaging test of the heart can look for clots in the heart or enlarged parts of the heart.

Angiograms of your head and neck. Your doctor will put dye in your blood so they can see your blood vessels with X-rays. This can help find a blockage or aneurysm.

Treatment for Hemiparesis?

Hemiparesis treatment may include medical and nonmedical techniques:

• Electrical stimulation. As part of this method, small electrical pads are placed on the weak muscles of the side that has hemiparesis. An electrical charge is sent to the body that helps the muscles contract. Some of these machines can be used at home once you learn how to use them.
• Cortical stimulation. This is a bit similar to electrical stimulation, except that the electric current is sent to the tough membrane covering the brain (called the dura). While your brain is subjected to this current, you have to do rehabilitation exercises.
• mCIT. Modified, constraint-induced therapy is a treatment method that forces you into using the weak side of the body. With regular practice, nerve function may improve in the region. mCIT works well when used with other therapies.

Treating Right Sided hemiparesis

A physical therapist can recommend the appropriate device. Braces, canes, walkers and wheelchairs can increase strength and movement. An ankle-foot orthosis brace can help control your ankle and foot. Repeated practice and regular activity will help increase control and flexibility and re-establish nerve circuitry.

 Possible complications or risks of not treating hemiparesis

The risks of not treating it can be high. In the worst cases, it can result in permanent brain damage, paralysis, loss of abilities or even death.

Conclusion/Takeover

A stroke happens when the flow of blood to part of your brain gets cut off. This means your brain can’t get oxygen, and without that, brain cells can be damaged in minutes. That’s why it’s important to get to the emergency room right away if you think you’re having a stroke. You might need a clot-busting drug within the first 3 hours.

The F-A-S-T test is an easy way to remember them:

• Face: Smile. Does one side of your face sag?
• Arms: Raise both and see if one droops.
• Speech: Say a common phrase: Does it sound strange or slurred?
• Time: Call Ambulance service right away if you notice any of these symptoms. Note what time they started.

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Overview

Foot drop also known as drop foot, is a general term for difficulty lifting the front part of the foot. If you have foot drop, the front of your foot might drag on the ground when you walk. Foot drop can be unilateral (affecting one foot) or bilateral (affecting both feet)at the same time. It can strike at any age. In general, foot drop stems from weakness or paralysis of the muscles that lift the foot. Sometimes foot drop is temporary, but it can be permanent. If you have foot drop, Fortunately, there are several treatment options, which may include a combination of orthotics, physical therapy, and surgical procedures. However, it’s important to seek early treatment to improve the chances of recovery.

• multiple sclerosis
• amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease
• muscular dystrophy
• spinal muscular atrophy
• stroke
• Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT), a neurological disorder
• Parkinson’s disease
• poliomyelitis, also known as polio

Foot drop can also be caused by injuries to the nerves that control the muscles that lift the foot. The affected nerves may be in the knee or in the lower spine.

Other causes include hip or knee replacement surgery and diabetes. Nerve damage in the eye, which can result in pain when moving the eye or even vision loss, can also cause difficulties with walking.

Other causes of foot drop include nerve compression or a herniated disc.

Symptoms

• decreased muscle mass
• frequent trips or falls
• limpness of the foot
• loss of sensation in the leg or foot
• changes in gait, such as raising your leg higher or swinging your leg to the side when walking

Risk factors

The peroneal nerve controls the muscles that lift the foot. This nerve runs near the surface of the skin on the side of the knee closest to the hand. Activities that compress this nerve can increase the risk of foot drop. Examples include:

• Leg crossing. People who habitually cross their legs can compress the peroneal nerve on their uppermost leg.
• Prolonged kneeling. Occupations that involve prolonged squatting or kneeling — such as picking strawberries or laying floor tile — can result in foot drop.
• Wearing a leg cast. Plaster casts that enclose the ankle and end just below the knee can exert pressure on the peroneal nerve.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the specific cause of foot drop. The most common treatment is to support the foot with lightweight leg braces and shoe inserts, called ankle-foot orthotics. Exercise therapy to strengthen the muscles and maintain joint motion also helps to improve gait. Devices that electrically stimulate the peroneal nerve during footfall are appropriate for a small number of individuals with foot drop. In cases with permanent loss of movement, surgery that fuses the foot and ankle joint or that transfers tendons from stronger leg muscles is occasionally performed.

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In today’s fast-paced world, chronic stress is common, but your mind and body can pay a high price. Learn to recognize overwhelming stress—and what you can do about it.

What is stress?

Stress is your body’s way of responding to any kind of demand or threat. When you sense danger—whether it’s real or imagined—the body’s defenses kick into high gear in a rapid, automatic process known as the “fight-or-flight” reaction or the “stress response.”

When you feel threatened, your nervous system responds by releasing a flood of stress hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol, which rouse the body for emergency action. Your heart pounds faster, muscles tighten, blood pressure rises, breath quickens, and your senses become sharper. These physical changes increase your strength and stamina, speed up your reaction time, and enhance your focus—preparing you to either fight or flee from the danger at hand.

The stress response is the body’s way of protecting you. When working properly, it helps you stay focused, energetic, and alert. In emergency situations, stress can save your life—giving you extra strength to defend yourself, for example, or spurring you to slam on the brakes to avoid a car accident.

The effects of chronic stress

Your nervous system isn’t very good at distinguishing between emotional and physical threats. If you’re super stressed over an argument with a friend, a work deadline, or a mountain of bills, your body can react just as strongly as if you’re facing a true life-or-death situation. And the more your emergency stress system is activated, the easier it becomes to trigger, making it harder to shut off.

 

If you tend to get stressed out frequently, like many of us in today’s demanding world, your body may exist in a heightened state of stress most of the time. And that can lead to serious health problems. Chronic stress disrupts nearly every system in your body. It can suppress your immune system, upset your digestive and reproductive systems, increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, and speed up the aging process. It can even rewire the brain, leaving you more vulnerable to anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems.

 

Health problems caused or exacerbated by stress include:

• Depression and anxiety
• Pain of any kind
• Sleep problems
• Autoimmune diseases
• Digestive problems
• Skin conditions, such as eczema
• Heart disease
• Weight problems
• Reproductive issues
• Thinking and memory problems

Causes of stress

The situations and pressures that cause stress are known as stressors. We usually think of stressors as being negative, such as an exhausting work schedule or a rocky relationship. However, anything that puts high demands on you can be stressful. This includes positive events such as getting married, buying a house, going to college, or receiving a promotion.

Of course, not all stress is caused by external factors. Stress can also be internal or self-generated, when you worry excessively about something that may or may not happen, or have irrational, pessimistic thoughts about life.

Signs and symptoms of stress overload

The most dangerous thing about stress is how easily it can creep up on you. You get used to it. It starts to feel familiar, even normal. You don’t notice how much it’s affecting you, even as it takes a heavy toll. That’s why it’s important to be aware of the common warning signs and symptoms of stress overload.

Cognitive symptoms:

• Memory problems
• Inability to concentrate
• Poor judgment
• Seeing only the negative
• Anxious or racing thoughts
• Constant worrying

 

Emotional symptoms:

• Depression or general unhappiness
• Anxiety and agitation
• Moodiness, irritability, or anger
• Feeling overwhelmed
• Loneliness and isolation

Other mental or emotional health problems

Physical symptoms:

• Aches and pains
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Nausea, dizziness
• Chest pain, rapid heart rate
• Loss of sex drive
• Frequent colds or flu

Behavioral symptoms:

• Eating more or less
• Sleeping too much or too little
• Withdrawing from others
• Procrastinating or neglecting responsibilities
• Using alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs to relax
• Nervous habits (e.g. nail biting, pacing)

Common external causes of stress include:

• Major life changes
• Work or school
• Relationship difficulties
• Financial problems
• Being too busy
• Children and family

Common internal causes of stress include:

• Pessimism
• Inability to accept uncertainty
• Rigid thinking, lack of flexibility
• Negative self-talk
• Unrealistic expectations / perfectionism
• All-or-nothing attitude

What’s stressful for you?

Whatever event or situation is stressing you out, there are ways of coping with the problem and regaining your balance. Some of life’s most common sources of stress include:

• Stress at work
• Job loss and unemployment stress
• Caregiver stress
• Grief and loss etc..

How much stress is too much?

Because of the widespread damage stress can cause, it’s important to know your own limit. But just how much stress is “too much” differs from person to person. Some people seem to be able to roll with life’s punches, while others tend to crumble in the face of small obstacles or frustrations. Some people even thrive on the excitement of a high-stress lifestyle.

Factors that influence your stress tolerance level include:

Your support network. A strong network of supportive friends and family members is an enormous buffer against stress. When you have people you can count on, life’s pressures don’t seem as overwhelming. On the flip side, the lonelier and more isolated you are, the greater your risk of succumbing to stress.

Your sense of control. If you have confidence in yourself and your ability to influence events and persevere through challenges, it’s easier to take stress in stride. On the other hand, if you believe that you have little control over your life—that you’re at the mercy of your environment and circumstances—stress is more likely to knock you off course.

Your attitude and outlook. The way you look at life and its inevitable challenges makes a huge difference in your ability to handle stress. If you’re generally hopeful and optimistic, you’ll be less vulnerable. Stress-hardy people tend to embrace challenges, have a stronger sense of humor, believe in a higher purpose, and accept change as an inevitable part of life.

Your ability to deal with your emotions. If you don’t know how to calm and soothe yourself when you’re feeling sad, angry, or troubled, you’re more likely to become stressed and agitated. Having the ability to identify and deal appropriately with your emotions can increase your tolerance to stress and help you bounce back from adversity.

Your knowledge and preparation. The more you know about a stressful situation, including how long it will last and what to expect, the easier it is to cope. For example, if you go into surgery with a realistic picture of what to expect post-op, a painful recovery will be less stressful than if you were expecting to bounce back immediately.

Improving your ability to handle stress

Get moving. Upping your activity level is one tactic you can employ right now to help relieve stress and start to feel better. Regular exercise can lift your mood and serve as a distraction from worries, allowing you to break out of the cycle of negative thoughts that feed stress. Rhythmic exercises such as walking, running, swimming, and dancing are particularly effective, especially if you exercise mindfully (focusing your attention on the physical sensations you experience as you move).

Connect to others. The simple act of talking face-to-face with another human can trigger hormones that relieve stress when you’re feeling agitated or insecure. Even just a brief exchange of kind words or a friendly look from another human being can help calm and soothe your nervous system. So, spend time with people who improve your mood and don’t let your responsibilities keep you from having a social life. If you don’t have any close relationships, or your relationships are the source of your stress, make it a priority to build stronger and more satisfying connections.

Engage your senses. Another fast way to relieve stress is by engaging one or more of your senses—sight, sound, taste, smell, touch, or movement. The key is to find the sensory input that works for you. Does listening to an uplifting song make you feel calm? Or smelling ground coffee? Or maybe petting an animal works quickly to make you feel centered? Everyone responds to sensory input a little differently, so experiment to find what works best for you.

Learn to relax. You can’t completely eliminate stress from your life, but you can control how much it affects you. Relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing activate the body’s relaxation response, a state of restfulness that is the polar opposite of the stress response. When practiced regularly, these activities can reduce your everyday stress levels and boost feelings of joy and serenity. They also increase your ability to stay calm and collected under pressure.

Eat a healthy diet. The food you eat can improve or worsen your mood and affect your ability to cope with life’s stressors. Eating a diet full of processed and convenience food, refined carbohydrates, and sugary snacks can worsen symptoms of stress, while a diet rich in fresh fruit and vegetables, high-quality protein, and omega-3 fatty acids, can help you better cope with life’s ups and downs.

Get your rest. Feeling tired can increase stress by causing you to think irrationally. At the same time, chronic stress can disrupt your sleep. Whether you’re having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep at night, there are plenty of ways to improve your sleep so you feel less stressed and more productive and emotionally balanced.

Why is it so important to manage stress?

If you’re living with high levels of stress, you’re putting your entire well-being at risk. Stress wreaks havoc on your emotional equilibrium, as well as your physical health. It narrows your ability to think clearly, function effectively, and enjoy life. It may seem like there’s nothing you can do about stress. The bills won’t stop coming, there will never be more hours in the day, and your work and family responsibilities will always be demanding. But you have a lot more control than you might think.

Effective stress management helps you break the hold stress has on your life, so you can be happier, healthier, and more productive. The ultimate goal is a balanced life, with time for work, relationships, relaxation, and fun—and the resilience to hold up under pressure and meet challenges head on. But stress management is not one-size-fits-all. That’s why it’s important to experiment and find out what works best for you. The following stress management tips can help you do that.

Tip 1: Identify the sources of stress in your life

To identify your true sources of stress, look closely at your habits, attitude, and excuses:

Do you explain away stress as temporary (“I just have a million things going on right now”) even though you can’t remember the last time you took a breather?

Do you define stress as an integral part of your work or home life (“Things are always crazy around here”) or as a part of your personality (“I have a lot of nervous energy, that’s all”)?

Do you blame your stress on other people or outside events, or view it as entirely normal and unexceptional?

Until you accept responsibility for the role you play in creating or maintaining it, your stress level will remain outside your control.

Tip 2: Practice the 4 A’s of stress management

While stress is an automatic response from your nervous system, some stressors arise at predictable times: your commute to work, a meeting with your boss, or family gatherings, for example. When handling such predictable stressors, you can either change the situation or change your reaction. When deciding which option to choose in any given scenario, it’s helpful to think of the four A’s: avoid, alter, adapt, or accept.

Tip 3: Get moving

When you’re stressed, the last thing you probably feel like doing is getting up and exercising. But physical activity is a huge stress reliever—and you don’t have to be an athlete or spend hours in a gym to experience the benefits. Exercise releases endorphins that make you feel good, and it can also serve as a valuable distraction from your daily worries.

While you’ll get the most benefit from regularly exercising for 30 minutes or more, it’s okay to build up your fitness level gradually. Even very small activities can add up over the course of a day. The first step is to get yourself up and moving. Here are some easy ways to incorporate exercise into your daily schedule:

Put on some music and dance around

Take your dog for a walk

Walk or cycle to the grocery store

Use the stairs at home or work rather than an elevator

Park your car in the farthest spot in the lot and walk the rest of the way

Pair up with an exercise partner and encourage each other as you work out

Play ping-pong or an activity-based video game with your kids

Tip 4: Connect to others

here is nothing more calming than spending quality time with another human being who makes you feel safe and understood. In fact, face-to-face interaction triggers a cascade of hormones that counteracts the body’s defensive “fight-or-flight” response. It’s nature’s natural stress reliever (as an added bonus, it also helps stave off depression and anxiety). So make it a point to connect regularly—and in person—with family and friends.

Keep in mind that the people you talk to don’t have to be able to fix your stress. They simply need to be good listeners. And try not to let worries about looking weak or being a burden keep you from opening up. The people who care about you will be flattered by your trust. It will only strengthen your bond.

Of course, it’s not always realistic to have a pal close by to lean on when you feel overwhelmed by stress, but by building and maintaining a network of close friends you can improve your resiliency to life’s stressors.

Tip 5: Make time for fun and relaxation

Beyond a take-charge approach and a positive attitude, you can reduce stress in your life by carving out “me” time. Don’t get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of life that you forget to take care of your own needs. Nurturing yourself is a necessity, not a luxury. If you regularly make time for fun and relaxation, you’ll be in a better place to handle life’s stressors.

Tip 6: Manage your time better

Poor time management can cause a lot of stress. When you’re stretched too thin and running behind, it’s hard to stay calm and focused. Plus, you’ll be tempted to avoid or cut back on all the healthy things you should be doing to keep stress in check, like socializing and getting enough sleep. The good news: there are things you can do to achieve a healthier work-life balance.

Don’t over-commit yourself. Avoid scheduling things back-to-back or trying to fit too much into one day. All too often, we underestimate how long things will take.

Prioritize tasks. Make a list of tasks you have to do, and tackle them in order of importance. Do the high-priority items first. If you have something particularly unpleasant or stressful to do, get it over with early. The rest of your day will be more pleasant as a result

Tip 7: Maintain balance with a healthy lifestyle

In addition to regular exercise, there are other healthy lifestyle choices that can increase your resistance to stress.

Eat a healthy diet.

Reduce caffeine and sugar

Avoid alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs.

Get enough sleep

Tip 8: Learn to relieve stress in the moment

When you’re frazzled by your morning commute, stuck in a stressful meeting at work, or fried from another argument with your spouse, you need a way to manage your stress levels right now. That’s where quick stress relief comes in.

Quick Stress Relief

Learn how to use sensory stimulation to relieve stress on the spot and stay calm, productive, and focused—no matter what life throws at you.

What is the fastest way to relieve stress?

There are countless techniques for managing stress. Yoga, mindfulness meditation, and exercise are just a few examples of stress-relieving activities that work wonders. But in the heat of the moment, during a high-pressured job interview, for example, or a disagreement with your spouse, you can’t just excuse yourself to meditate or take a long walk. In these situations, you need something more immediate and accessible.

One of the speediest and most reliable ways to stamp out stress is to engage one or more of your senses—sight, sound, taste, smell, touch—or through movement. Since everyone is different, you’ll need to do some experimenting to discover which technique works best for you—but the payoff is huge. You can stay calm, productive, and focused when you know how to quickly relieve stress.