When an artery or blood vessel becomes blocked by a blood clot, a cerebrovascular accident (stroke) may occur. Once blood flow is reduced or halted to the brain the cells are deprived oxygen and begin to die. The full effect that one may experience following a stroke depends on the side of the brain which is effected and the severity of the stroke itself. There are some common effects that many will experience following a stroke.
Physical Effects
Many stroke victims will experience physical effects following the incident. Many side effects of a stoke will diminish or lessen over time. Involuntary muscle contractions (spasticity) and a decrease in balance may occur. Claw toe, and a similar condition called "hammertoe," are caused by an imbalance of muscles in the feet and toes, reports the American Stroke Association. Neuromuscular imbalances can occur from induced brain injury following a stroke, putting patients at risk for falls. Stroke may also lead to difficulty chewing and swallowing food, which can increase the risk of choking. Rehabilitation is usually recommended once the patient is stable and may be done in the inpatient or outpatient setting.
Behavior and Communication
There are areas within our brain that produce our emotions. If one of these areas is affected by stroke, emotional mood swings and liability may occur. Problem solving ability, decrease in cognition and memory and alterations in personality may occur following a stroke. Behavioral and psychological therapy may be helpful in the healing process. Stroke may also affect speech, a condition known as aphasia. Aphasia affects the ability to talk, listen, read and write, reports the American Heart Association. These patients may require speech therapy in order to facilitate healing.
Depression
Depression can be caused by biochemical changes in the brain caused by the stroke, says the American Stroke Association. Depression is common following a stroke. Many stroke survivors experience depression and lack of motivation when faced with the long road of rehabilitation ahead. Depression can be effectively treated whether it is the result of a biochemical change in the brain or it is a psychological reaction to the stroke, reports the American Stroke Association. Treatment with a psychologist with experience treating stroke victims is recommended for any patient experiencing depression. Some may benefit from counseling alone, while others may require the use of medication in conjunction with therapy to heal.
