The Effects of a Stroke on Fine Motor Control

Most of us take fine motor skills for granted, using our hands and fingers every day to dial our phones, type on a computer, use a knife and fork, and tie our shoes. A stroke can change all this. The brain damage that results from a stroke can have a devastating effect on fine motor skills, making the simplest tasks seem impossible.

Paralysis

• When a stroke limits blood flow to the brain, the resulting damage can cause muscle paralysis, making certain muscles difficult or impossible to move. Paralysis in the hands, arms and fingers affects fine motor skills. With physical therapy, however, many stroke patients can regain control over their muscles.

Spasticity

• The brain injury that results from a stroke can cause muscles to be tight or stiff. This condition is called spasticity, and it can seriously interfere with fine motor skills, especially since it tends to increase when the muscle is moved. When left untreated, spasticity can cause contractures, or muscles that are frozen in place. Treatment for spasticity includes physical therapy, stretching, braces and medications..

Lack of Balance and Coordination

• A stroke that takes place in cerebellum can cause problems with balance and coordination. These symptoms also can affect fine motor skills. For example, an individual who has trouble balancing in a chair will find it difficult to write or type, and someone with coordination problems may have trouble holding a cell phone with one hand while hitting the buttons with the other hand.

Spatial and Perceptual Problems

• A stroke in the right hemisphere of the brain can cause spatial and perceptual problems, which can make it difficult to judge distances. These issues also can affect fine motor skills, because tasks such as picking up small objects or tying a shoelace require accurate depth perception.

Difficulty with Everyday Tasks

• A stroke can turn everyday tasks, such as getting dressed, preparing food, and using a computer, into a series of physical challenges. With a good physical and occupational therapy program, however, stroke victims can learn to improve their control over stiff muscles and compensate for balance and perceptual problems.