How Does Stroke Affect 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 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:
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:
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.
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