The Residual Effects of a Lacunar Stroke

In the case of a lacunar stroke, smaller arteries that branch off from the main arteries in the brain are blocked. This could affect the cells of a small part of the brain and could result in the death of a particular area of brain tissue. Up to 25 percent of ischemic strokes in the US were lacunar strokes as of 2008. An ischemic stroke refers to a stroke in which there is a blockage or rupture in a blood vessel. A lacunar stroke is often caused by high blood pressure.

Most Common Effects

• The most common residual effect of a lacunar stroke is called the pure motor stroke. The sufferer may experience extreme weakness and in some cases complete paralysis of the face, arm or leg. This could involve the entire limb or body part or just part of it. A lacunar stroke may also result in the loss of control over the tongue and mouth muscles, thereby making lucid speech difficult. It may also make swallowing difficult. Though lacunar stroke victims may not be able to speak clearly, they don't have problems with comprehension.

Common Occurrences

• Another common occurrence in lacunar stroke patients is problems with coordination. This could manifest in an awkward gait or extreme weakness of the limb. This particular effect is seen in the leg more often than in the arm. Dizziness and balance problems may also occur. Lacunar stroke symptoms can appear within the first few hours after the stroke or up to a few days after the stroke.

Other Possible Symptoms

• Lack of sensory perception, like depth perception and distance perception, may persist after a lacunar stroke. Dysarthria--clumsy hand syndrome is often caused by a lacunar stroke. This problem often manifests in the inability to maneuver a pen or pencil normally. You may also develop problems with your eyesight after a lacunar stroke.

Recurrence

• After one lacunar stroke, there is a possibility of subsequent strokes. A study published on the online Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry concluded that the possibility of recurrence is higher for diabetic patients and those with hypertension. Individuals rarely die due to a lacunar stroke. Patients who have suffered multiple lacunar strokes may develop delicate emotions or suffer from slight memory loss and impaired judgment. Lacunar stroke patients have a good prognosis and they respond well to therapy after the critical stage of the stroke has passed.