How Is the Human Body Affected By Stroke

An interrupted flow of blood to the brain results in a stroke. The brain contains certain areas that are responsible for certain body functions. An area or function of the body affected by a stroke is relative to the area of the brain which has sustained the stroke.

The brain has four specific lobes responsible for certain bodily functions. When a stroke occurs, it causes brain damage, thus resulting in the loss of certain functions. This condition can either be temporary or permanent dependent upon the severity of the damage.

Physical Effects:

The amount of damage incurred during a stroke is dependent upon the area of the brain affected as well as the extent of the damage. Many stroke sufferers can recover in a few days, while others may require a year or longer. The amount of damage incurred during a stroke can also be increased if a delay in treatment is experienced. Therefore, if you suspect you or someone you know is having a stroke, seek medical assistance immediately.

Effects on the Body:

Inability to speak: Or aphasia is characterized as difficulty speaking or understanding speech. This is a problem with the language center located in the left side of the brain. The good news is the right side of the brain is able to compensate for the left side of the brain.

Dysphagia: Is difficulty swallowing, which can cause nutritional deficits. This person will benefit from speech therapy sessions in which they can relearn how to swallow, as well as speak. There also exists a choking hazard, as food can be aspirated into the lungs or lodge in the throat causing severe respiratory distress.

Depression: Depression is very common after a stroke. The person may be having body image issues, as well as communication and motor movement difficulties. These life changes can easily result in depression in the stroke survivor.

Hemiplegia: Is paralysis on the left or right side of the body. The person may experience muscle spasms of the affected extremity which can be quite painful.

Recovery Care:

While some stroke victims recover in only a few days, others have extensive damage will require rehabilitation for a year or longer. This is generally accomplished by a visiting nurse that will come to the home in order to evaluate the patient’s specific needs. Once the evaluation is complete, the nurse will coordinate physical, occupational and speech therapists who will visit the home to administer their specific treatments.

Rehab Therapy:

Rehabilitation is essential for the patient to regain the ability to walk, talk, regain strength in weak extremities and swallow. Most often, patients are able to recover completely and live a normal, independent life.

A licensed registered nurse and featured health writer who loves to share her knowledge, Barb Hicks has a class about Stroke Causes and other articles including Early Warning Signs of Stroke on Clivir.com.