Anna Werrett
A stroke is a brain injury that occurs when the blood supply to the brain is cut off, causing severe and life-changing disruptions. The effects of a stroke vary depending on its type, severity, location, and number, but they tend to affect people in common ways. The brain, being the central organ of the human nervous system, controls motor and sensory functions throughout the body. If a stroke occurs and blood cannot reach a specific region, that part of the body will be affected, and dysfunction will occur. The side of the body impacted by the stroke depends on which side of the brain is affected. For instance, a stroke on the left side of the brain will affect the right side of the body and vice versa. The recovery process for stroke patients varies, and most people will need some form of rehabilitation, which includes speech therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, recreational therapy, and psychotherapy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recovery time | The most rapid recovery usually occurs during the first three to four months after a stroke, but some survivors continue to recover well into the first and second year after their stroke. |
| Risk of another stroke | Survivors are at high risk of having another stroke. |
| Factors influencing recovery | Where in the brain the stroke occurred, how much of the brain was affected, the survivor's motivation, caregiver support, the quantity and quality of rehabilitation, and the survivor's health before the stroke. |
| Physical therapy | Recommended if the patient experiences dizziness, imbalance that results in falls, difficulty walking or moving around daily, inability to walk six minutes without stopping to rest, or inability to participate in or complete daily activities. |
| Emotional and behavioral changes | Post-stroke depression is common, with as many as 30-50% of stroke survivors experiencing it in the early or later phases. |
| Speech and language | A stroke on the left side of the brain can cause speech and language problems. |
| Vision | If the stroke occurs towards the back of the brain, it's likely that some disability involving vision will result. |
| Paralysis | A stroke on the left side of the brain will affect the right side of the body, and vice versa. |
| Cognitive abilities | A stroke can cause problems with thinking, memory, and reasoning. |
What You'll Learn
The impact of stroke on physical abilities
- Muscle weakness or paralysis, particularly on one side of the body.
- Changes in sensation, such as numbness, burning sensations, or pain.
- Difficulty with physical activities like walking, balance, and coordination.
- Fatigue or extreme tiredness.
- Dysphagia or swallowing problems, which can affect eating and drinking.
- Bladder and bowel problems, including incontinence.
- Changes to taste and smell.
- Seizures and epilepsy.
- Foot drop, or difficulty lifting the foot and toes.
- Spasticity and contractures, causing muscle stiffness and changes in limb position.
The brain has some ability to recover from a stroke through plasticity and redundancy, and rehabilitation can help individuals regain physical function and independence. Early treatment and rehabilitation are crucial for improving recovery, and the rate of improvement depends on factors such as the location and severity of the stroke, the survivor's motivation, caregiver support, and the quantity and quality of rehabilitation.
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The impact of stroke on cognitive abilities
A stroke is a brain injury that occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted. As the brain is the central organ of the human nervous system, a stroke can have a profound impact on a person's cognitive abilities. The brain controls both motor and sensory functions throughout the body, including receiving and interpreting information from the senses, as well as thinking, remembering, understanding, planning, reasoning, and problem-solving.
The impact of a stroke on cognitive abilities will depend on the location and extent of the damage to the brain tissue. Since the signals from the brain to the body cross over, a stroke on the left side of the brain will affect the right side of the body and vice versa. If the stroke occurs at the back of the brain, it is likely to result in some form of visual disability.
Common cognitive impairments following a stroke include:
- Attention and executive function (e.g., planning, reasoning, problem-solving)
- Memory (short-term, episodic, semantic, and procedural)
- Language and communication
- Visual-perceptual abilities
- Mood and behaviour
The severity of cognitive deficits can vary, with some people experiencing mild impairments and others developing more severe dementia-like symptoms. The recovery process is different for everyone, but the most rapid recovery usually occurs during the first three to four months after a stroke, and some survivors continue to recover well into the first and second year.
Cognitive rehabilitation is an essential part of stroke recovery and can lead to significant improvements. It focuses on reinforcing previously learned patterns of behaviour, establishing new patterns of cognitive activity, and helping individuals adapt to their cognitive disabilities. This may involve targeted exercises and strategies to improve specific cognitive abilities, such as attention, memory, problem-solving, and communication.
In addition to rehabilitation, certain medications, such as cholinesterase inhibitors, may help manage specific cognitive symptoms. Lifestyle modifications, including physical exercise, a healthy diet, weight management, and stress reduction, have also been associated with better cognitive outcomes in stroke survivors.
Overall, the impact of a stroke on cognitive abilities can be far-reaching, affecting various aspects of daily life. While recovery is possible, the specific consequences and prognosis will depend on the individual characteristics of each stroke survivor.
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The impact of stroke on emotional abilities
A stroke is a brain injury that occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted. Since the brain controls our behaviour and emotions, a stroke can have a profound impact on emotional abilities. Emotional and behavioural changes are a common effect of stroke, with the location and extent of damage to the brain tissue influencing the specific emotional and behavioural changes that occur.
Emotional Changes
Stroke survivors often experience a range of emotional changes, including feelings of irritability, forgetfulness, carelessness, inattention, and confusion. It is also common for survivors to experience fear, frustration, anger, grief, sadness, anxiety, and depression. These emotions can be overwhelming and interfere with the recovery process, making it important for survivors to seek support and treatment for their emotional and behavioural changes.
Behavioural Changes
Behavioural changes following a stroke can include increased aggressiveness, decreased inhibitions, and changes in personality. For example, a stroke on the right side of the brain can lead to overconfidence, while a stroke on the left side can result in right-side weakness and speech and language problems.
Factors Affecting Emotional and Behavioural Changes
The impact of a stroke on emotional abilities can vary depending on several factors, including the location and extent of brain damage, the survivor's motivation, the availability of caregiver support, the quality and quantity of rehabilitation, and the survivor's health before the stroke.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
The recovery process from a stroke can be long and challenging, with many survivors requiring specialised rehabilitation to address the physical and emotional effects of the stroke. Rehabilitation focuses on helping survivors regain function and self-reliance, with the goal of enabling them to safely return to their community. The recovery timeline can vary, with some survivors experiencing rapid improvement within the first three to four months, while others continue to recover well into the first and second year.
Managing Emotional Changes
There are several strategies that can help manage emotional changes following a stroke:
- Talking to a counsellor, therapist, family member, or friend about one's feelings
- Participating in support groups or stroke clubs to connect with other survivors
- Engaging in physical activity and exercise to release feel-good chemicals in the brain
- Practising relaxation techniques, such as mindfulness or meditation, to cope with overwhelming emotions
- Expressing one's feelings through journaling, art, music, photography, or poetry
- Seeking treatment for post-stroke depression, which affects around one-third of stroke survivors within the first year
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The impact of stroke on communication abilities
Communication problems are very common after a stroke, with around one-third of survivors facing issues with speaking, reading, writing, and comprehension. The brain is responsible for several tasks involved in communication, and damage to any of these areas can cause communication issues.
Aphasia
Aphasia is a common language disorder that affects a person's ability to speak, understand, read, and write. It occurs when the brain can no longer process language, and it can impact relationships, social engagement, and independence. Aphasia does not affect intelligence. Speech and language therapy can help improve language and communication abilities, and individuals can also learn other methods of communication, such as gestures or electronic devices.
Dysarthria
Dysarthria occurs when an individual has limited control over the muscles in their face, mouth, and throat, making it difficult to speak clearly. This can result in slurred or slow speech or a quiet voice.
Apraxia of Speech
Apraxia of speech is when an individual cannot move the muscles in their face, mouth, and throat in the correct order for speech. This can make it hard for others to understand them.
Factors Affecting Communication Abilities
The location of the stroke within the brain influences the specific communication abilities that are affected. For example, a stroke on the left side of the brain typically impacts the right side of the body and can lead to speech and language problems. In contrast, a stroke on the right side of the brain can cause overconfidence in abilities and impact the left side of the body.
Additionally, the extent of brain damage, the survivor's motivation, the quality of rehabilitation, and the individual's health before the stroke are all factors that influence recovery.
Recovery
While recovery timelines vary, the most rapid recovery usually occurs within the first three to four months after a stroke, and improvements can continue for up to 18 months or more. Speech therapy is an essential part of the recovery process and can help individuals regain their communication abilities.
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The recovery process for stroke victims
A stroke is a brain injury that occurs when the blood supply to the brain is cut off. The effects of a stroke depend on where in the brain it occurs and how much of the brain is affected. The right side of the brain controls the left side of the body and vice versa. A stroke can cause a range of physical and cognitive symptoms, including paralysis, sensory changes, speech and language problems, and memory issues.
Rehabilitation should start as soon as possible after the stroke, ideally within 24 hours. The first few weeks are spent in the hospital, where the patient's condition is stabilized and the effects of the stroke are assessed. The patient then begins an intensive inpatient rehab program focused on getting them ready to return home.
The most rapid recovery usually occurs during the first three to four months after a stroke, but improvements can continue for up to 18 months or more. After six months, improvements are slower, but they are still possible. Some patients experience setbacks during this time, such as pneumonia, heart attacks, or another stroke, which can affect their recovery progress.
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Frequently asked questions
The effects of a stroke depend on where it occurs in the brain, and how much of the brain was affected. The brain has 3 main areas: the cerebrum, cerebellum, and brainstem. The cerebrum is divided into the right and left sides, or hemispheres, and controls movement and feeling. If a stroke occurs on the left side of the brain, the right side of the body will be affected, and vice versa. The most rapid recovery from a stroke takes place within the first three to four months, but some survivors continue to recover well into the first and second year.
Survivors in acute rehabilitation are expected to make measurable functional gains every week based on the Functional Independence Measure Score (FIMS). Functional improvements include daily, mobility, and communication skills.
Caregivers should consider assistance from a physical or occupational therapist if their loved one has: dizziness, imbalance that results in falls, difficulty walking or moving around daily, or inability to participate in or complete daily activities.
