The Effects of a Stroke
Most strokes get better with time. How much time and how much better differs for each patient. What you will be able to do or not do depends on the area of the brain where the stroke occurred.
The brain is divided into four major parts:
- Right side (hemisphere)
- Left side (hemisphere)
- Cerebellum
- Brain stem
Generally speaking, the left side of the brain controls the right side of the body, and the right side of the brain controls the left side of the body.
A stroke can effect each of the four major areas of the brain as follows:
Left side:
- Weakness or not being able to move the right side of the body
- Problems speaking
- Problems thinking clearly
- Confusion between left and right
- Both eyes can’t see things on the right
- Slow, cautious behavior
Right side:
- Weakness or not being able to move (paralysis) on the left side of the body
- Both eyes can’t see things on the left
- Not aware of the left side of the body
- Loss of feeling on the left side of the body
- Quick actions, without thinking
Cerebellum:
- Lack of coordination
- Loss of balance
- Dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
Brain stem:
- Coma
- Unstable vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, breathing)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Can’t move the body on both sides
- Dizziness
- Uncoordinated
- Problems swallowing
- Slurred speech
- Double vision
Other Stroke Effects
- Changes in emotions and mood
- Memory problems
- Depression
- Sexual activity
The experts at Summa Health can help answer any questions you may have concerning the effects of stroke. Contact us at 234.867.7957.
Diagnosing a Stroke
