Effects of Stroke - OmniMedicalSearch.com

Conditions & Diseases: Brain & Nervous System

Stroke

Stroke Effects

Each stroke is different and each person that experiences a stroke is affected differently. Some stroke survivors experience mild symptoms, while other face severe and lasting damages. Once the stroke occurs, the brain immediately undergoes changes. Without the blood supply which provides the brain with nutrients and oxygen, the brain cells are damaged and even die. Once dead, the cells cannot return to life, but the surrounding areas can recover and take over or substitute some of the lost functions. Usually, the recovery process happens in the first few months that follows the stoke, but in some cases can continue for several years.

The disability level differs from patient to patient, and depends on the type of stroke suffered, the area affected, the location of the affected area, and the extent of the damage. A stroke can occur in any part of the brain causing damages according to those functions controlled by that area. Each part of the brain is involved in different essential functions for the body. Usually, the stroke symptoms and signs occur on the opposite side of the body to the stroke side of the brain.

The human brain is divided in four main parts: (1) the right hemisphere, (2) the left hemisphere, (3) the cerebellum, and (4) the brain stem. In most people, the right hemisphere is responsible for perceptual and spatial skills, the left hemisphere is responsible for language, the cerebellum controls balance and coordination, while the brain stem controls those body functions that do not require conscious control (such as breathing rate, blood pressure, heart rate, eye movement, hearing, speech, and swallowing).

The effects of a stroke can be divided into two main categories:
(1) Body functions.
(2) Cognitive functions.

A stroke in the right hemisphere can cause:

Paralysis in the left side of the body.
Problems judging distance. The person might have difficulties guiding their hands to pick-up or maneuver objects.
Spatial and perceptual impaired abilities.
Behavioral problems. The person might act impulsively and might try to perform certain tasks as before their stroke.
Impaired vision. The person has difficulties seeing objects in the left side of the visual field.
Short-term memory loss. The person cannot remember events from early that day, but can clearly remember events from years ago.

A stroke in the left hemisphere can cause:

Paralysis in the right side of the body.
Speech and language problems. The person can have problems communicating because they either have difficulties understanding the language, or expressing themselves. Impaired writing and reading abilities are also common in stroke patients.
Slow and cautious behavior. The person might need guidance with frequent instructions and feedback in order to complete tasks.
Memory problems. The person might experience difficulties remembering recent events or learning new tasks or things.

A stroke in the cerebellum can cause:

Abnormal reflexes of the head and upper body.
Balance problems.
Dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.

A stroke in the brain stem can cause:

Paralysis or inability of moving or feeling one or both side of the body.

Article by Alina Morrow, MA
Medical Writer
OmniMedicalSearch.com
Stroke Bibliography