A stroke, or cerebrovascular accident, is a sudden loss of the brain function, resulting in unconsciousness, reduction of sensation and voluntary motion that occurs when blood flow and oxygen delivery and nutrient supply to a certain portion of the brain is interrupted. Hemorrhage results from a rupture, or obstruction of a blood vessel in brain. When blockage occurs, the nerve cells in the part of the brain become dysfunctional and begin to die because it is deprived of oxygen, according to Cleveland Clinic. People respond to stroke in many ways. Each stroke is different, and the extent of the injury varies. Furthermore, a stroke's lasting symptoms depend on the person's general health.
Paralysis
Paralysis is the complete or partial loss of muscle function in a part of the body due to trauma or disease of the nerves. Unilateral paralysis affects only one bodily part, while bilateral paralysis occurs on the opposite sides of the body. Stroke is one of the most frequent causes of paralysis, in which the hemorrhage, thrombosis or obstruction of a cerebral vessel interferes with the synapse between the nerve and muscle.
Aphasia
Stroke does not necessarily cause hearing loss, but stroke survivors may find it difficult to understand the speech. The effect of stroke also can cause problems with thinking, awareness, attention, learning, judgment and memory. This loss or impairment of the power to use or comprehend words resulting from a stroke is called aphasia. Damage to the left hemisphere of the brain is most commonly linked to the development of aphasia. This is because the left half of the cerebrum is the center for speech and language.
Dysphagia
Dysphagia is the swallowing disorder that results from the problems with the nerves and muscles controlling the chewing movement of the teeth. It can occur when the weak and sagging muscles on one side of the mouth cannot move. The mouth muscles may lack feeling or the normally protective gag reflex may be absent. This can pose a choking hazard and increase the risk of inhaling mouth contents into the lungs.
