
A stroke, or cerebral vascular accident (CVA), occurs when there is a change to blood flow in the central nervous system due to damage to a blood vessel, a rupture, or something stopping blood flow like a clot or emboli. This disruption to blood flow can cause paralysis by interrupting the transmission of neural impulses between the brain and the muscles. Depending on the location of the stroke, paralysis can affect the face, arm, leg, or the entire side of the body. Paralysis is a common outcome of stroke, with up to 90% of stroke patients experiencing some degree of paralysis.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Cause of stroke paralysis | Disruption in the transmission of neural impulses between the brain and the muscles |
Types of strokes that can cause paralysis | Transient Ischemic Attack, Ischemic stroke, Hemorrhagic stroke |
Symptoms of stroke paralysis | Headache, problems with speech, numbness in body parts |
Preventative measures | Knowing your risk factors, following doctor's instructions, implementing healthy habits, controlling blood pressure, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a diet low in cholesterol |
Effects of stroke | Paralysis, problems with swallowing, pain, numbness, odd sensations, gait imbalance, problems controlling movement |
What You'll Learn
- Paralysis is caused by a disruption in the transmission of neural impulses between the brain and muscles
- Strokes can cause paralysis on one side of the body opposite the side of the brain damaged by the stroke
- Paralysis can be temporary or permanent, depending on the location and extent of the brain damage
- Hemorrhagic, ischemic strokes and transient ischemic attacks can all cause paralysis
- Rehabilitation can help stroke patients regain voluntary movement
Paralysis is caused by a disruption in the transmission of neural impulses between the brain and muscles
The brain is the central organ of the human nervous system and controls motor and sensory functions throughout the body. It is made up of billions of neurons (brain cells) that communicate through synapses. If a stroke occurs and blood flow cannot reach the region that controls a particular body function, that part of the body won't work as it should. This results in paralysis, which is the loss of voluntary muscle function in one or more parts of the body.
Ninety percent of all stroke-affected people get paralysis in one form or another. Paralysis can be partial, where the person retains a small degree of control over the affected muscles, or complete, where the person cannot move the affected body part at all. It can also be localized, affecting a small area of the body, or generalized, affecting a larger area.
There are several types of paralysis, including monoplegia, hemiplegia, paraplegia, and quadriplegia. Monoplegia affects one area, such as one arm or leg. Hemiplegia affects one arm and one leg on the same side of the body. Paraplegia, or lower body paralysis, affects both legs and sometimes the hips and organs in the lower abdomen. Quadriplegia affects both arms and legs and sometimes muscles in the trunk, the functions of internal organs, or both.
The effects of paralysis can be temporary or permanent, and the recovery process can vary depending on the individual. With proper rehabilitation, some patients may recover within six months, while others may require longer.
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Strokes can cause paralysis on one side of the body opposite the side of the brain damaged by the stroke
A stroke occurs when there is a change to blood flow in the central nervous system (CNS) due to damage to a blood vessel, a rupture to the blood vessel, or something stopping blood flow, like a clot or emboli. When a stroke happens, blood can't reach the region of the brain that controls a particular body function, and so that part of the body won't work as it should.
The brain is made up of billions of neurons (brain cells) that communicate through synapses. Each side of the brain controls the opposite side of the body. This means that a stroke on the left side of the brain will affect the right side of the body, and vice versa.
A stroke on the left side of the brain can result in paralysis on the right side of the body, as well as sensory changes, speech and language problems, and problems with thinking and memory. The person may also exhibit a slow, cautious behavioural style.
Similarly, a stroke on the right side of the brain can cause paralysis on the left side of the body, as well as sensory changes, spatial thinking or imagery problems, and issues with thinking and memory. The person may also exhibit a quick, inquisitive behavioural style.
A stroke in the brain stem can affect both sides of the body and may result in a 'locked-in' state, where the patient is conscious but unable to speak or move due to muscle paralysis.
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Paralysis can be temporary or permanent, depending on the location and extent of the brain damage
Paralysis is the partial or full loss of movement, usually in response to an injury or illness. It can be temporary or permanent, depending on the location and extent of the brain damage.
A stroke occurs when there is a change to blood flow in the central nervous system due to damage to a blood vessel, a rupture to the blood vessel, or something stopping blood flow, like a clot or emboli. When a stroke occurs, and blood flow can't reach the region that controls a particular body function, that part of the body won't work as it should.
The brain is made up of billions of neurons (brain cells) that communicate through synapses. If something damages the nervous system, messages can't get through to the muscles. The location of the stroke in the brain will determine which parts of the body are affected.
A stroke on the left side of the brain will affect the right side of the body, and a stroke on the right side of the brain will affect the left side of the body. If the stroke occurs in the brain stem, it can affect both sides of the body and may result in locked-in syndrome, where the patient is conscious and can hear, think, reason, and comprehend, but is unable to speak or move due to muscle paralysis.
The extent of the brain damage will determine whether paralysis is temporary or permanent. In some cases, individuals may regain partial or full movement over time. For example, Bell's palsy typically causes temporary facial paralysis, and individuals with paraplegia may not be restricted to a wheelchair and may even spontaneously recover. On the other hand, permanent paralysis means that muscle control is never regained, and the condition is irreversible.
Paralysis can be partial or complete. Partial paralysis, also known as paresis, is when an individual still has some feeling in and possibly control over their paralyzed muscles. Complete paralysis is when an individual cannot move or control their paralyzed muscles at all and may also lose the ability to feel anything in those muscles.
The type of paralysis also depends on the location of the injury in the nervous system. Localized paralysis affects just one specific area, such as the face, hands, feet, or vocal cords. Generalized paralysis affects a larger area and is grouped by how much of the body is affected. Monoplegia affects just one limb, diplegia affects the same area on both sides of the body, hemiplegia affects one side of the body, and quadriplegia (or tetraplegia) affects all four limbs and sometimes certain organs. Paraplegia refers to paralysis from the waist down.
The effects of paralysis can vary depending on the location and extent of the brain damage, and individuals may experience a range of physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges as a result.
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Hemorrhagic, ischemic strokes and transient ischemic attacks can all cause paralysis
Hemorrhagic, ischemic strokes, and transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) can all cause paralysis. Paralysis is a condition where a person is unable to move their muscles. In the context of a stroke, paralysis occurs due to a disruption in the transmission of neural impulses between the brain and the muscles.
Hemorrhagic strokes are caused by the rupture of a blood vessel in the brain, leading to bleeding into the surrounding brain tissue. This type of stroke can be further categorized into aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations, and intracerebral hemorrhages. An aneurysm occurs when a weakened section of a blood vessel balloons out and ruptures. Arteriovenous malformations are abnormally formed blood vessels that can rupture and cause a hemorrhagic stroke. Intracerebral hemorrhage is caused by high blood pressure weakening small blood vessels, resulting in bleeding within the brain.
Ischemic strokes, on the other hand, are caused by a blood clot blocking blood flow to the brain. These clots often form due to the accumulation of fat deposits inside a blood vessel, known as atherosclerosis. In some cases, the blood clot may move from one part of the body to another due to an abnormal heartbeat. Ischemic strokes require immediate medical treatment to restore blood flow and prevent further damage.
Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), also known as "mini-strokes," are temporary interruptions in blood flow to the brain. They are similar to ischemic strokes but differ in that the blockage is temporary, and symptoms usually last for a short time, typically less than 24 hours. However, TIAs are still considered medical emergencies as they can be a warning sign of a future stroke.
Paralysis can result from any of these types of strokes, and it typically affects the side of the body opposite to the damaged area in the brain. Up to 90% of stroke patients experience some degree of paralysis, and it can be temporary or permanent depending on the extent of brain damage and the effectiveness of rehabilitation.
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Rehabilitation can help stroke patients regain voluntary movement
Rehabilitation should include physical therapy directed at specific training of skills and functional training. Therapy should be given with sufficient intensity to promote skill acquisition. Major theories of rehabilitation training include the Bobath concept, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, sensorimotor therapy, and motor relearning programs.
Rehabilitation can also include occupational therapy, which helps patients perform basic activities of daily living (ADL), such as bathing, dressing, feeding, toileting, and grooming. Most patients show improved performance of ADL as recovery occurs, with most improvement noted in the first six months.
Rehabilitation psychologists and neuropsychologists can also help screen for cognitive and emotional challenges that can result from a stroke and create a plan to improve cognitive function and build resilience in the face of what could be permanent lifestyle changes.
While recovery may seem fast at first, as swelling and trauma to the brain resolve, it will slow down over time. However, the nervous system is capable of great improvement and wants to repair itself and restore function through a process called plasticity. New nerve cells are being developed throughout a person's life, and keeping up with home exercises will help continue improvement, although at a slower rate.
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Frequently asked questions
A stroke occurs when there is a change to blood flow in the central nervous system due to damage to a blood vessel, a rupture to the blood vessel, or something stopping blood flow like a clot or emboli (a globule of fat or other material, or a bubble of air).
If a stroke occurs and blood flow can't reach the region that controls a particular body function, that part of the body won't work as it should. Paralysis is a common outcome of stroke, often on one side of the body.
Some symptoms of a stroke include:
- Headache
- Problems with speech, such as confusion, slurring of words, and difficulty comprehending instructions
- Numbness in the body, such as the inability to move legs, face, or arms
- Drooping on one side of the face
- Inability to raise one arm as high as the other
- Strange speech, such as slurring or use of odd words or sounds
If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, call 911 immediately.