What can stroke affect?

A stroke can affect different parts of the brain and cause a variety of symptoms, depending on the location and severity of the damage. Some of the things that stroke can affect include:

- Motor function: Stroke can cause paralysis or weakness on one side of the body, including the face, arm, and leg.

- Sensory function: Stroke can cause loss of sensation or abnormal sensations, such as numbness, tingling, or pain.

- Language and speech: Stroke can affect the ability to understand or produce speech, which is called aphasia.

- Vision: Stroke can cause partial or complete loss of vision in one or both eyes.

- Balance and coordination: Stroke can affect balance and coordination, making it difficult to walk or move around.

- Cognition and memory: Stroke can cause problems with memory, thinking, and concentration, which is called cognitive impairment.

- Swallowing: Stroke can affect the muscles involved in swallowing, making it difficult to eat and drink.

- Emotional function: Stroke can cause emotional changes, such as depression, anxiety, or emotional instability.

- Pain: Stroke can cause chronic pain, which can be difficult to manage.

The symptoms of stroke can vary widely from person to person, and some people may experience only a few of these effects while others may experience many. The severity of the symptoms also depends on the extent and location of the brain damage.