Understanding Strokes: Impact And Immediate Action Needed

A stroke is a life-threatening medical emergency that occurs when there is an interruption to blood flow to the brain. This interruption can be caused by a blocked artery or bleeding in the brain, resulting in brain cells being deprived of oxygen and dying. The effects of a stroke depend on the location and extent of the damage in the brain. Immediate medical attention is critical to prevent permanent damage or death, and early treatment and rehabilitation can improve recovery. The most common types of disabilities after a stroke include changes to speech, learning and understanding, as well as weakness or paralysis on one side of the body.

Paralysis on one side of the body

Hemiplegia is the paralysis of one side of the body, resulting from damage to the nervous system. It is caused by a stroke in most cases, but can also be the result of a brain injury, spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, aneurysms, haemorrhages, concussions, or tumours. Hemiplegia can affect both children and adults, and symptoms vary depending on the location and severity of the injury.

The brain is divided into two hemispheres, with the right hemisphere controlling movement on the left side of the body, and the left hemisphere controlling movement on the right. When one side of the brain is damaged, the opposite side of the body experiences paralysis. This is called contralateral hemiplegia. For example, right hemiplegia refers to paralysis on the right side of the body, following an injury to the left hemisphere of the brain.

Hemiplegia can cause a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including:

• Muscle stiffness or tightness
• Trouble grasping or holding objects
• Difficulty swallowing
• Loss of sensation on the affected side
• Memory problems
• Numbness
• Vision problems
• Trouble concentrating
• Mood swings
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Social isolation
• Impulsivity

There is no cure for hemiplegia, but treatments such as physical and occupational therapy can help individuals manage their symptoms and live active, independent lives. Rehabilitation exercises are designed to rewire the brain through repetition, helping to improve movement patterns. Other treatments include orthotic devices, constraint-induced movement therapy, and medications such as Gablofen (baclofen) and Botox injections.

Loss of speech

A stroke is a life-threatening condition that occurs when there is an interruption in blood flow to the brain. This interruption can be caused by a blocked artery or bleeding in the brain, resulting in brain cells being deprived of oxygen and nutrients. If the brain cells are deprived of oxygen for too long, they will die, leading to permanent damage or even death. Therefore, recognising the signs of a stroke and acting quickly is crucial.

One of the signs of a stroke is sudden loss of speech or difficulty in speaking, also known as aphasia. Aphasia occurs when one or more regions of the brain that control language and speech are damaged. This can happen due to an ischemic stroke, which is the most common type of stroke and is caused by a partial or complete blockage of a blood vessel. It can also be caused by a hemorrhagic stroke, which occurs when a blood vessel in the brain leaks or bursts.

A person with aphasia may experience difficulty in translating their thoughts into coherent speech, understanding what others are saying, reading, or writing. Their speech may be jumbled, slurred, or difficult to understand. However, it is important to note that aphasia does not affect a person's intelligence.

If you or someone you know is displaying signs of aphasia after a stroke, speech and language therapy can be beneficial. This type of therapy can help improve speech, reading, and writing abilities and teach other forms of communication, such as gestures or electronic devices. Family and friends can also play a crucial role in the recovery process by engaging in conversation with the person, speaking slowly, and giving them ample time to speak.

While some people may recover their speech abilities within months or years after a stroke, others may continue to experience some degree of aphasia. Nonetheless, it is important to seek immediate medical attention if you suspect that you or someone else is having a stroke, as early intervention can improve the chances of recovery without disability.

Emotional and personality changes

Experiencing a stroke can affect a person's emotions and personality, and these changes can be challenging to adjust to. Emotional lability, or pseudobulbar affect, is common after a stroke, and can manifest as crying or laughing uncontrollably, or expressing emotions that seem out of character or context. These emotional responses may be triggered by fatigue, stress, anxiety, or being in a noisy, overcrowded environment.

Post-stroke depression is also common, with up to 33% of survivors experiencing it. It can be caused by physical limitations, health worries, or changes in brain function. Other emotional and personality changes that may occur include:

• Apathy, or a lack of interest and drive
• Loss of social inhibitions, resulting in socially inappropriate behaviour
• Aggression or irritability
• Impulsiveness, or acting without thinking
• Lack of empathy, resulting in hurtful behaviour
• Loss of sense of humour
• Extreme jealousy

These changes can be difficult for both the person who experienced the stroke and their loved ones. However, it's important to remember that these changes are not intentional and are a result of stroke-induced brain damage. Treatment options are available, and emotional and personality changes after a stroke can improve over time. Cognitive behavioural therapy, behavioural management training, medication, and carer and family support are all options that can help manage and improve these changes.

Problems with thinking and memory

A stroke is a life-threatening condition that occurs when there is an issue with blood flow to the brain, resulting in brain cells being deprived of oxygen and dying. This can lead to a variety of health problems, including problems with thinking, awareness, attention, learning, judgment, and memory.

Memory loss or amnesia is a common symptom of a stroke. An individual may experience difficulty in remembering recent events or information and may forget to carry out plans. They may also have trouble with language and speaking skills, such as choosing the right words or slurring their speech.

Cognitive therapy can be beneficial for individuals experiencing memory problems after a stroke. This type of therapy can help retrain the brain and improve memory, as well as assist with activities that require focus and concentration.

Additionally, stroke survivors may benefit from establishing a fixed routine, using verbal tricks and visual or verbal associations to aid memory, and utilizing diaries or smartphones for reminders and planning. Prioritizing tasks and breaking down complex tasks into manageable chunks can also help improve cognitive function.

It is important to seek immediate medical attention if you or someone you know is experiencing any symptoms of a stroke, as early intervention can improve the chances of recovery without disability.

Physical therapy and rehabilitation

Physical therapy is one of the main rehabilitation therapies used to help stroke patients regain movement and become more independent. It can also help to decrease disability.

Physical therapy for stroke patients will often begin in the hospital, soon after the stroke has occurred. The patient's physical therapist will conduct a thorough assessment, including taking a health history, discussing symptoms in detail, and observing the patient's ability to move, stand, and walk.

The physical therapist will then develop a treatment plan tailored to the patient's needs, challenges, and goals. This plan will focus on improving the patient's ability to move, addressing any pain they may have, and offering guidance on preventing problems that may occur after a stroke.

Some of the techniques used by physical therapists include:

• Task-oriented training: This involves practicing real-life tasks such as getting up from a chair or climbing stairs.
• Strength training: This can involve the use of weights, body weight, or resistance bands.
• Walking and balance training: These activities help improve balance and walking patterns, such as bearing weight on the affected leg or walking on a treadmill.
• Constraint-induced movement therapy: The patient's strong arm is constrained, forcing them to use their weak arm to perform daily tasks and build strength and control.
• Electrical stimulation: Small electrical pulses are used to activate the nerves of injured muscles, improving movement and control.
• Virtual reality or video game tools: These provide experiences that mimic real-life activities and situations, helping to "rewire" the brain and nerve connections.
• Biofeedback: This technique helps patients gain a better understanding of their mind-body connection and gain control over their muscles.
• Aquatic therapy: This involves performing exercises in the water, which has been found to potentially improve a wide range of stroke-induced disabilities.

The duration of physical therapy depends on the severity of the stroke and the patient's level of disability. It may be recommended for months or even years. The sooner rehabilitation therapy begins, the better the chances of the patient regaining their functional skills.

Frequently asked questions