How Stroke Affects People Effects on the Body, Mind, and Feelings

Each stroke is different depending on the part of the brain injured, how bad the injury is, and the person’s general health. Some of the effects of stroke are:

Weakness (hemiparesis–hem-ee-par-EE-sis) or paralysis (hemiplegia–hemee-PLEE-ja) on one side of the body. This may affect the whole side or just the arm or the leg. The weakness or paralysis is on the side of the body opposite the side of the brain injured by the stroke. For example, if the stroke injured the left side of the brain, the weakness or paralysis will be on the right side of the body.

Problems with balance or coordination. These can make it hard for the person to sit, stand, or walk, even if muscles are strong enough.

Problems using language (aphasia and dysarthria). A person with aphasia (a-FAY-zha) may have trouble understanding speech or writing. Or, the person may understand but may not be able to think of the words to speak or write. A person with dysarthria (dis-AR-three-a) knows the right words but has trouble saying them clearly.

Being unaware of or ignoring things on one side of the body (bodily neglect or inattention). Often, the person will not turn to look toward the weaker side or even eat food from the half of the plate on that side.

Pain, numbness, or odd sensations. These can make it hard for the person to relax and feel comfortable.

Problems with memory, thinking, attention, or learning (cognitive problems). A person may have trouble with many mental activities or just a few. For example, the person may have trouble following directions, may get confused if something in a room is moved, or may not be able to keep track of the date or time.

Being unaware of the effects of the stroke. The person may show poor judgment by trying to do things that are unsafe as a result of the stroke.

Trouble swallowing (dysphagia–dis-FAY-ja). This can make it hard for the person to get enough food. Also, care must sometimes be taken to prevent the person from breathing in food (aspiration–as-per-AY-shun) while trying to swallow it.

Problems with bowel or bladder control. These problems can be helped with the use of portable urinals, bedpans, and other toileting devices.

Getting tired very quickly. Becoming tired very quickly may limit the person’s participation and performance in a rehabilitation program.

Sudden bursts of emotion, such as laughing, crying, or anger. These emotions may indicate that the person needs help, understanding, and support in adjusting to the effects of the stroke.

Depression. This is common in people who have had strokes. It can begin soon after the stroke or many weeks later, and family members often notice it first.

Read more on Strokes: Process of Recovering from a Stroke

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