Spinal strokes occur when major arteries leading to the spinal cord thicken or close. According to the National Stroke Association, during a spinal stroke, blocked blood flow causes brain cells to die. Complications of such a stroke depend on how long the blood flow was compromised and the part of the spinal cord involved. A spinal stroke can result in paralysis or damage to the spinal cord.
Optical Damage
MedlinePlus reports that optical damage is common with spinal cord strokes. Hazy vision, double vision and partial or blocked vision may occur. Loss of vision including temporary and permanent blindness has been reported. Spinal stroke symptoms such as optical damage often disappear following treatment, and may not be permanent. Patients should consult a physician if they suspect optical damage. Occasionally, this causes survivors to suffer falls, collisions or spills at the table.
Speech
Partial or full paralysis of the body or face may affect speech, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokes. Cognitive damage such as disorientation, loss of critical thinking or confusion may prevent patients from speaking properly. Slurred speech is common after spinal strokes. Depending on the injury damage, this after effect can be temporary or permanent.
Pain
A patient can experience a range of unpleasant and odd sensations after a spinal stroke. This condition is called central stroke pain or central pain syndrome. Areas left numb or paralyzed from a spinal stroke will often tingle uncomfortably with pain. MayoClinic.com reports that feet and hands experience the most severe pain. In addition, changes in temperature or movement can worsen the condition. Most doctors prescribe medication to combat pain side effects.
Muscle Function
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokes, spinal stroke victims often suffer weakness or paralysis on one side of the body. These conditions are called hemiparesis and hemiplegia. Patients frequently require help with daily routines such as bathing, using the toilet, getting out of bed, putting on clothes and feeding themselves. The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library reports that lack of movement causes other problems such as muscle loss, bed sores and blood clots.
Perception
A spinal stroke can affect the nervous system's ability to collect and process information. As a result, a person's perception of daily routines can be altered. This condition, also known as aphasia, affects the ability to listen, read, write or reason logically. MayoClinic.com notes that stroke survivors may not understand or recognize familiar objects the way they did before the stroke. Objects may look farther or closer than they appear when aphasia develops after a spinal stroke.
