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Secondary Complications of Strokes

A stroke, also known as a brain attack, occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted. This causes damage to the brain from lack of oxygen. The amount of damage depends on how long the brain is deprived of oxygen and location of the stroke. Strokes can affect your cognitive and motor functions and cause changes in your personality. These negative effects may be temporary or permanent, depending on the treatment you receive and severity of the damage.

  1. Paralysis

    • Strokes occuring in the right hemisphere of your brain, can cause left hemiplegia, which is paralysis to the body's left side. Strokes in the left hemisphere can cause right hemiplegia, which is paralysis on your body's right side. The paralysis may not affect the entire side of your body; instead, you may lose control of certain muscles. For example, you may not be able to control the muscles on one side of your face. Your motor functions may return without intervention; however, physical therapy may be effective at treating your paralysis and loss of muscle control.

    Aphasia

    • After a stroke, you may have difficulty translating your thoughts into speech. This is a condition known as aphasia. The condition makes it difficult for you to move the muscles necessary to articulate words. Aphasia results from a stroke occurring in your brain's left hemisphere, says The National Stroke Association. It may improve with speech therapy. You might also have difficulty swallowing.

    Memory Loss

    • Memory loss can result from strokes occurring in either hemisphere of the brain. This is often short-term memory loss. For example, after a stroke you might remember events that occurred years ago but are unable to recall what you had for lunch. In addition to memory loss, strokes can cause learning difficulties and short attention spans.

    Behavioral Styles

    • After a stroke, you may experience a change in your behavior. A right-hemisphere stroke can make you impulsive and reckless. You may try to accomplish tasks that were possible before your stroke but are presently dangerous for you to attempt. A left-hemisphere stroke may make you very slow and cautious. You may need constant reinforcement and instructions to finish a task. A stroke may also cause you to become withdrawn and less social.

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