How Is the Human Body Affected By Stroke
Stroke (cerebrovascular Accident, CVA), is marked by ineffective blood flow to the brain. The result is cell death, brain damage, and possibility of becoming permanently disabled. Each area of the brain controls certain functions in the body. Loss of function occurs relative to the area of the brain that sustained the CVA.
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:
Every person’s result of stroke is different depending on the amount of damage and where in the brain the damage occurred. Some may recover in days while others may need a year or more. In addition, the damage that can occur during a stroke will increase in severity depending on how long a delay in treatment has occurred. If you think you or someone you love is having a stroke, seek the medical assistance of a professional healthcare provider 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 beneficial and desirable for those suffering the effects of a stroke. With rehab, patients are able to regain strength in weak extremities, learn to walk, talk, and swallow. Many patients are able to recover fully through rehab and become independent again in most cases.
A licensed registered nurse and featured health writer who loves to share her knowledge, Barb Hicks has a class about Common Cause of Stroke and other articles including Early Warning Signs of Stroke on Clivir.com.
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