Let?s Talk About Changes Caused by Stroke

Let?s Talk About Changes Caused by Stroke

• Updated:Mon, 22 Aug 2011 4:39:00 PM

What are the most common effects of stroke?

Your brain controls how you move, feel, think and act. Brain injury from a stroke may affect any of these abilities. You may experience some of these effects of stroke:

Hemiparesis (weakness on one side of the body) or hemiplegia (paralysis on one side of the body)

• One-sided neglect (ignoring or forgetting your affected side – this usually occurs with a stroke on the right side of the brain, causing neglect of the left side of the body ), as result of hemiparesis, hemiplegia, motor impairment and loss of sensation on one side of the body.
• Dysarthria (difficulty speaking or slurred speech), aphasia (difficulty getting your words out or understanding what is being said, usually caused by a left brain stroke) or dysphagia (trouble swallowing)
• Decreased field of vision (inability to see peripheral vision) and trouble with visual perception
• Loss of emotional control and changes in mood
• Cognitive changes (problems with memory, judgment, problem-solving or a combination of these)
• Behavior changes (personality changes, improper language or actions)

Different parts of the brain control different parts of the body and skills.
What are common emotional effects of stroke?

• Depression
• Apathy and lack of motivation
• Tiredness
• Frustration, anger and sadness
• Reflex crying (emotions may change rapidly and sometimes not match the mood)
• Denial of the changes caused by the brain injury

Will I get better?

In most cases people do get better over time. The effects of a stroke are greatest immediatelyafter the stroke occurs. From then on, you may start to get better. How fast and how much you improve depends on the extent of the brain injury and the success of rehabilitation.

• Recovering your abilities begins after the stroke is over and you’re medically stable.
• Some improvement occurs spontaneously and relates to how the brain works again after it’s been injured.
• Stroke rehabilitation programs help you improve your abilities and learn new skills and coping techniques.
• Depression after stroke can interfere with rehabilitation. It’s important to treat depression.
• Improvement often occurs most quickly in the first months after a stroke, then continues over years with your continued efforts.

How can I learn more?

• Talk to your doctor, nurse or other healthcare professionals. Ask about other stroke topics. This is one of many Let’s Talk About Stroke fact sheets.
• For more information about stroke or to get more fact sheets, call the American Stroke Association at 1-888-4-STROKE(1-888-478-7653) or visit us online at StrokeAssociation.org.
• If you or someone you know has had a stroke, call the American Stroke Association’s “Warmline” at 1-888-4-STROKE (1-888-478-7653) and:
  —Speak with other stroke survivors and caregivers trained to answer your questions and offer support.
  – Get information on stroke support groups in your area.
  – Sign up to get Stroke Connection, a free magazine for stroke survivors and caregivers.

Do you have questions for your doctor or nurse?

Take a few minutes to write your own questions for the next time you see your healthcare provider:

Can other areas of the brain help the damaged part of the brain?
How has my stroke affected me?

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