Each stroke is different depending on the part of the
brain injured, how bad the injury is, and the person's
general health. Some of the effects of stroke are:
Weakness (hemiparesis--hem-ee-par-EE-sis) or
paralysis (hemiplegia--hem-ee-PLEE-ja) on one side
of the body. This may affect the whole side or just the arm
or the leg. The weakness or paralysis is on the
side of the body opposite the side of the brain
injured by the stroke. For example, if the stroke
injured the left side of the brain, the weakness
or paralysis will be on the right side of the body.
Problems with balance or coordination. These can make it hard for the person to sit,
stand, or walk, even if muscles are strong enough.
Problems using language (aphasia and dysarthria). A person with aphasia (a-FAY-zha) may have trouble
understanding speech or writing. Or, the person
may understand but may not be able to think of the
words to speak or write. A person with dysarthria
(dis-AR-three-a) knows the right words but has trouble
saying them clearly.
Being unaware of or ignoring things on one side
of the body (bodily neglect or inattention). Often, the person will not turn to look toward
the weaker side or even eat food from the half of
the plate on that side.
Pain, numbness, or odd sensations. These can make it hard for the person to relax
and feel comfortable.
Problems with memory, thinking, attention, or
learning (cognitive problems). A person may have trouble with many mental activities
or just a few. For example, the person may have
trouble following directions, may get confused if
something in a room is moved, or may not be able
to keep track of the date or time.
Being unaware of the effects of the stroke. The person may show poor judgment by trying
to do things that are unsafe as a result of the
stroke.
Trouble swallowing (dysphagia--dis-FAY-ja). This can make it hard for the person to get
enough food. Also, care must sometimes be taken
to prevent the person from breathing in food (aspiration--as-per-AY-shun)
while trying to swallow it.
Problems with bowel or bladder control. These problems can be helped with the use of
portable urinals, bedpans, and other toileting devices.
Getting tired very quickly. Becoming tired very quickly may limit the person's
participation and performance in a rehabilitation
program.
Sudden bursts of emotion, such as laughing,
crying, or anger. These emotions may indicate that the person
needs help, understanding, and support in adjusting
to the effects of the stroke.
Depression. This is common in people who have had strokes.
It can begin soon after the stroke or many weeks
later, and family members often notice it first.
It is normal for a stroke survivor to feel sad over
the problems caused by stroke. However, some people
experience a major depressive disorder, which should
be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible. A person
with a major depressive disorder has a number of symptoms
nearly every day, all day, for at least 2 weeks. These
always include at least one of the following:
Feeling sad, blue, or down in the dumps.
Loss of interest in things that the person used
to enjoy.
A person may also have other physical or psychological
symptoms, including:
Feeling slowed down or restless and unable to sit
still.
Feeling worthless or guilty.
Increase or decrease in appetite or weight.
Problems concentrating, thinking, remembering, or
making decisions.
Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much.
Loss of energy or feeling tired all of the time.
Headaches.
Other aches and pains.
Digestive problems.
Sexual problems.
Feeling pessimistic or hopeless.
Being anxious or worried.
Thoughts of death or suicide.
If a stroke survivor has symptoms of depression, especially
thoughts of death or suicide, professional help
is needed right away. Once the depression is properly
treated, these thoughts will go away. Depression can
be treated with medication, psychotherapy, or both.
If it is not treated, it can cause needless suffering
and also makes it harder to recover from the stroke.
A "disability" is difficulty doing something
that is a normal part of daily life. People who have
had a stroke may have trouble with many activities that
were easy before, such as walking, talking, and taking
care of "activities of daily living" (ADLs).
These include basic tasks such as bathing, dressing,
eating, and using the toilet, as well as more complex
tasks called "instrumental activities of daily
living" (IADLs), such as housekeeping, using the
telephone, driving, and writing checks.Some disabilities
are obvious right after the stroke. Others may not be
noticed until the person is back home and is trying
to do something for the first time since the stroke.
The information contained in this
web site is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment.
Consultation with your doctor or health care professional is recommended.
About Stroke
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