Effects of A Stroke Attack On The Human Body
A stroke occurs when there is interrupted blood flow to the brain. Stroke generally results in one or more of the following conditions; cell death, brain damage, and permanent disability. There are specific areas of the brain responsible for certain functions of the body. The area of the body affected is relative to the area of the brain affected by the stroke.
There are four lobes to the brain, and each has its own specific function. When brain damage occurs, the function of that area is lost. Depending on the location and severity, the effects can be temporary, or result in severe disability.
Physical Effects:
The effects of stroke are different in each person. Some people recover in a few days, while others may take a year or more, depending on the damage and location of the infarct. Additionally, the amount of time from stroke onset to medical treatment will have an effect on the body, such as paralysis or weakness on one side of the body. Get help immediately if you or any one near you may be having a stroke.
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:
In general, most functionality can be restored with hard work, dedication and the assistance of specialized rehabilitation care. Physical therapy will be restored in order to restore any motor function that has been lost. This is accomplished by sending a home nurse to evaluate the needs of the particular patient. After the evaluation, the nurse will coordinate occupational, speech and physical therapists who will visit the home to administer treatment.
Rehab Therapy:
The benefits of rehabilitation are beyond words. The patient will learn to walk, talk, swallow and regain strength in weakened extremities. Oftentimes, patients are able to make a full recovery and go on to live normal, happy lives.
Barb Hicks is a licensed registered nurse who is passionate about sharing her experience and knowledge about Early Warning Signs Of A Stroke. You can find all her articles including Treatment for Stroke on Clivir.com.