As people grow older, they are susceptible to various circulatory and neurological problems. One of these medical issues is stroke.
In the United States, stroke is one of the leading causes of death. According to medical statistics, in 2020, 1 in 6 deaths from cardiovascular diseases was mainly due to stroke. It is also a leading cause of disabilities in adults. While preventable and treatable, it can be potentially fatal and requires immediate medical care the moment it occurs.
What is a stroke?
The brain is a highly complex organ. Each area of the brain is responsible for a specific function or ability. A stroke happens when blood vessels or arteries are blocked by a clot or bursts, and blood carrying oxygen cannot get to the different parts of the brain.
This results in brain cells getting damaged and can die within a few minutes. This then leads to a loss in normal bodily function corresponding to that part of the brain damaged by the stroke.
The effects of stroke can vary from person to person based on the severity, type, location in the brain, and the number of strokes. It can affect several parts of the body even after the stroke is over.
8 Effects of Stroke on the Body That You Must Know About
The brain is divided into 3 main areas: the cerebrum (right and left side or hemispheres), cerebellum (top and front portion), and brainstem (base of the brain). The severity of a stroke and the effects are determined by the location of the blockage and the amount of brain tissue affected. Depending on which region, the effects may be very different.
Here are eight effects of stroke on our bodies:
1) Physical effects
The most visible effects of a stroke are physical. It usually happens on one side of the body where a person can experience any of the following:
- Muscle weakness
- Paralysis
- Stiffness
- Changes in sensation
Due to any of these effects on the body, one may struggle to move and have difficulty in daily activities.
2) Headaches
There are a variety of reasons why you may feel headaches after a stroke. Some of the causes, such as headaches, stress, or lack of sleep, may be the same as before your stroke.
3) Pain
The brain, spinal cord, and a network of nerves that run throughout the body make up the nervous system. This system relays information from the body to the brain. When the brain is damaged, these messages are not received correctly.
The shift in perception occurs, and you may experience more discomfort than usual or when performing routine activities that were not painful before the stroke.
4) Swallowing, senses of taste and smell
Damage to the part of your brain that governs eating and swallowing can make these actions difficult. This is referred to as dysphagia. It’s a frequent symptom after a stroke, but it usually improves with time.
Food and fluids can sneak into the airway and settle in the lungs if the muscles in your throat, tongue, or mouth are unable to direct food down the esophagus. This can lead to major problems such as infection and pneumonia.
5) Vision
Damage to the areas of the brain that connect with the eyes can cause visual changes. Vision loss, loss of one side or parts of the field of vision, and problems moving the eyes are all possibilities. There could also be processing difficulties, which means the brain isn’t obtaining the information it needs from the eyes.
6) Bowel and bladder
You’re usually not as active as usual during the early stages of stroke recovery. Constipation is a typical adverse effect of various pain relievers, as well as not drinking enough fluids and not being as physically active.
The region of your brain that controls your bowels and bladder may also be affected by the stroke. Incontinence, or the lack of control over bowel function, can result from this. You may need to use the bathroom more frequently because of this, or you may urinate while sleeping, coughing, or laughing. It’s more typical in the early phases of recuperation and usually improves with time.
7) Balance
When you move, your brain must combine information from your eyes and the inner ear’s balancing system, as well as manage your muscles and joints.
You may feel wobbly or uncoordinated because your brain manages balance differently.
8) Seizures and epilepsy
You have an increased chance of suffering a seizure after a stroke. This is often determined by the size, location, and severity of the stroke. According to one study, 1 in 10 people can experience seizures following a stroke.
A stroke is a serious and sometimes fatal condition. However, the sooner you are assessed and treated, the more likely you are to avoid long-term brain and body damage.
Treatments, rehabilitation procedures, and preventive measures vary depending on the stroke type. You may inquire with your doctor about stroke clinical trials that you can participate in for free or other options for private treatment.
If you think you’re having a stroke, go to the nearest emergency room right away.