Stroke - the after effects

Stroke is the interruption of blood to the brain. The most common type of stroke is ischaemic, caused by a blood clot blocking an artery or vessel. The brain cells in the immediate area are permanently damaged and those in the surrounding areas are affected by the reduced blood flow.

Once brain cells are permanently damaged, their functions stop with them. The functions that are lost depend on which areas of the brain were affected by the stroke and how severely. A person who suffers from a small stroke may recover with only minor disabilities, while a major stroke can permanently disable or even cause death. Many survivors also have emotional changes, with a tendency to laugh or cry for no apparent reason and then to stop just as suddenly.

A window of opportunity
Brain cells (neurones) lack the ability to regenerate. When brain cells in the immediate area are starved of oxygen and nutrients by a stroke, they quickly die. Brain cells in the surrounding areas are then at dire risk. If medical treatment is prompt, there is every chance that these compromised brain cells can be saved, minimising the damage.

If a stroke is suspected, it is very important to seek medical help immediately. It can mean the difference between life and death, or minor versus major disabilities.

Different parts of the brain
The brain can be considered as a four-part organ, which includes the right and left hemispheres, the cerebellum and the brain stem. A stroke has different effects, depending on which part of the brain is targeted during the attack.

The right hemisphere
Some of the major functions of the right hemisphere include perception and control of the left side of the body. A stroke which affects the right hemisphere can cause many changes, including:

• The inability to judge distances, which can lead to falls or loss of hand-to-eye coordination
• Short-term memory loss
• Neglecting or ignoring anything situated to the left of the body
• Impulsive behaviour
• Paralysis of the left side of the body (‘left hemiplegia’).

• Paralysis of the right side of the body (‘right hemiplegia’)
• Various problems with speech and communication
• Short-term memory loss.

• Dizziness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of coordination
• A tendency to unbalance and fall
• Slurred speech.

• Complete paralysis
• Coma
• Double vision
• Swallowing difficulties
• Death.

• Speech therapists – to maintain or improve speech and communication and assess swallowing difficulties.
• Occupational therapists – to teach coping strategies and new skills, and help adapt the family home to better cater for the needs of the stroke survivor.
• Physical therapists – to maintain or improve the movement and functioning of the body.

• Your doctor
• Your specialist
• Speech therapist
• Occupational therapist
• Physical therapist
• In an emergency, always dial triple zero (000) to call an ambulance

• A stroke has different effects, depending on which part of the brain is targeted during the attack.
• If a stroke is suspected, it is important to seek medical help immediately.
• Health care professionals who can help improve a stroke survivor’s quality of life include speech, occupational and physical therapists.

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