When affected muscles become stiff and tight, it’s due to a condition called spasticity. Learn more about hemiparesis and hemiplegia after stroke » Spasticity Speech therapy may also be needed to address speaking and eating challenges if one side of the face has been affected. Treatment involves physical and occupational therapy to rewire the brain, restore movement, and explore compensatory techniques as needed. Hemiparesis describes weakness on one side of the body while hemiplegia describes paralysis on one side of the body. Many stroke survivors sustain motor impairments that affect one side of the body (the side opposite of where the stroke occurred). Here are some of the most common physical after effects of stroke: Hemiparesis or hemiplegia

Therefore, the physical effects of a stroke often get the most attention from occupational and physical therapists. We need to be able to move to accomplish the activities of daily living such as eating, dressing, and toileting, as well as walking. The most outwardly notable effects of a stroke are the ones that impact physical movement. Now that you understand why stroke side effects occur, let’s dig into the list of the most common ones. The good news is that, by understanding some of the most common secondary effects, you can prepare yourself for the road to recovery ahead. Every stroke is different and every brain is wired a bit differently. For example, a stroke in the left hemisphere is likely to lead to language issues because that’s where the language center of the brain usually resides. The area of the brain affected by stroke also influences the effects sustained. For example, patients that sustain mild strokes often experience very minimal effects that resolve quickly while massive stroke survivors may sustain severe, long-lasting effects, such as paralysis. The size of the stroke often correlates with the severity of the secondary effects. Two factors influence the possible effects: the size and location of the stroke. This puts an end to the stroke, but the brain damage left behind can lead to secondary effects. Once the stroke has been treated, normal blood flow is restored. Bookmark this page, and use the links below to jump straight to any section.Ī stroke is caused when the supply of blood in the brain is compromised, depriving local brain tissue of oxygen-rich blood. This page has been updated to contain a long, comprehensive list of the most common effects of a stroke. This means it’s a good idea to understand the potential effects, so that you’re able to catch signs early.

With appropriate and timely medical treatment, the person’s life is often saved, but potential brain damage will likely cause secondary effects.Įvery stroke is different and, as a result, every patient will experience secondary effects differently. Strokes are medical emergencies that impact the supply of blood in the brain.

Stroke after effects