Mom’s Daily

A mom with a hemiplegia baby is looking for a local support group and she hopes to get in touch with other parents.

What is hemiplegia?

Childhood hemiplegia (sometimes called hemiparesis) is a condition, similar to cerebral palsy, affecting one side of the body (Greek ‘hemi’ = half). We talk about a right or left hemiplegia depending on the side affected. It is caused by damage to some part of the brain, which may happen before, during or soon after birth, when it is known as congenital hemiplegia, or later in childhood, in which case it is called acquired hemiplegia.

I will source a bit of information which I hope will be of help to her. Meantime, if there is anyone who knows where she can find local (Malaysia) support, please tell me?

HemiHelp was formed by a group of parents in 1990 to offer information and support to children and young people with hemiplegia, to their families or carers and to the professionals who work with them and to increase general awareness of the condition.

Another support group is Hemi-Kids. This is what they explained on their website regarding the differences:

Hemiplegia, Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy, and Hemiparesis

Hemiplegia: Paralysis of one side of the body resulting from disease or injury to the motor centers of the brain.

Hemiparesis: Partial paralysis or weakness on one side of the body

Cerebral Palsy: A difference in typical motor function that is acquired at an early age, usually less than one year of age, and is due to a brain injury that is non-progressive. Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy is just one type of cerebral palsy.

Few years back, when my fourth son was around, he was suspected to have cerebral palsy. I took a lot of initiatives to find out the causes, where to find the right physio-therapist, how to help him and also where to send him for education etc. Therefore, I truly feel for this mother because she is also in desperate need of more information, supportive group and an avenue where she can discuss problems she faced with other parents. May she find the right support soon. Mama nuzul, do sign up with both support group I listed above because it is always good to get in touch with more parents. Sometimes, we cannot find the local support because generally, Malaysians are very private people and do not like to reveal too much. Moreover, most parents are not IT literate nor even literate. So, it is usually hard to be in touch with them.

My paediatrician informed that parents may want to check out the Spastic centre (Penang) and also the Govt-run  schools for special needs (for physical handicapped/cacat anggota) for more sources.