Effects
of Stroke
The
effects of stroke vary from person to person based
on the type, severity, and location of the stroke.
The brain is extremely complex and each area of
the brain is responsible for a special function
or ability. When an area of the brain is damaged,
which typically occurs with a stroke, an impairment
may result. An impairment is the loss of normal
function of part of the body. Sometimes, an impairment
may result in a disability, or inability to perform
an activity in a normal way.
The
brain is divided into three main areas, including
the following:
- cerebrum (consisting
of the right and left sides or hemispheres)
- cerebellum
- brain stem
Depending
on which of these regions of the brain the stroke
occurs, the effects may be very different.
The
cerebrum is the part of the brain that occupies
the top and front portions of the skull. It is
responsible for control of such abilities as movement
and sensation, speech, thinking, reasoning, memory,
sexual function, and regulation of emotions. The
cerebrum is divided into the right and left sides,
or hemispheres.
Depending
on the area and side of the cerebrum affected
by the stroke, any, or all, of the following body
functions may be impaired:
- movement and sensation
- speech and language
- eating and swallowing
- vision
- cognitive (thinking,
reasoning, judgment and memory) ability
- perception and orientation
to surroundings
- self-care ability
- bowel and bladder control
- emotional control
- sexual ability
In addition
to these general effects, some specific impairments
may occur when a particular area of the cerebrum
is damaged.
The
effects of a right hemisphere stroke may include
the following:
- left-sided weakness
(left hemiparesis) or paralysis (left hemiplegia)
and sensory impairment
- denial of paralysis
or impairment and reduced insight into the problems
created by the stroke (this concept is called
"left neglect")
- visual problems, including
an inability to see the left visual field of
each eye (homonymous hemianopsia)
- spatial problems with
depth perception or directions such as up/down
and front/back
- inability to localize
or recognize body parts
- inability to understand
maps and find objects such as clothing or toiletry
items
- memory problems
- behavioral changes
such as lack of concern about situations, impulsivity,
inappropriateness, and depression
The
effects of a left hemisphere stroke may include
the following:
- right-sided weakness
(right hemiparesis) or paralysis (right hemiplegia)
and sensory impairment
- problems with speech
and understanding language (aphasia)
- visual problems, including
the inability to see the right visual field
of each eye (homonymous hemianopsia)
- impaired ability to
do math or to organize, reason, and analyze
items
- behavioral changes
such as depression, cautiousness, and hesitancy
- impaired ability to
read, write, and learn new information
- memory problems
The
cerebellum is located beneath and behind the cerebrum
towards the back of the skull. It receives sensory
information from the body via the spinal cord
and helps to coordinate muscle action and control,
fine movement, coordination, and balance.
Although
strokes are less common in the cerebellum area,
the effects can be severe. Four common effects
of strokes in the cerebellum include the following:
- inability to walk and
problems with coordination and balance (ataxia)
- dizziness
- headache
- nausea
- vomiting
The
brain stem is located at the very base of the
brain right above the spinal cord. Many of the
body's vital "life-support" functions such as
heartbeat, blood pressure, and breathing are controlled
by the brain stem. It also helps to control the
main nerves involved with eye movement, hearing,
speech, chewing, and swallowing. Some common effects
of a stroke in the brain stem include problems
with the following:
- breathing and heart
functions
- body temperature control
- balance and coordination
- weakness or paralysis
in all four limbs
- chewing, swallowing,
and speaking
- vision
- coma
Unfortunately,
death is common with brain stem strokes.
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