The brain is the control center of all activities performed by your body. The functional ability of the brain is mind-boggling; it takes in input and sends out instructions for numerous body functions with precision and in less than a second.

To perform so many non-stop activities, the brain requires a continuous supply of blood. Any interference in this supply may lead to a condition called stroke, when the area of the brain devoid of blood supply stops working.

Strokes and the Brain

A stroke happens when blood supply to the brain is disrupted by either a ruptured blood vessel or a clot formation that blocks blood from getting to a portion of the brain. When the supply of oxygen and nutrients is disrupted, brain cells can become damaged and quickly die. Because these brain cells, called neurons, cannot regenerate, strokes can cause damage beyond repair. That’s why stroke is considered a medical emergency and needs immediate medical attention.

There are three categories of stroke:

• Ischemic stroke: this is the most common stroke is, it is caused when a blood clot blocks a blood vessel and prevents blood from reaching the brain.
• Hemorrhagic stroke: caused by a leaking or ruptured blood vessel that bleeds into the brain.
• Transient ischemic attack (TIA): a temporary interruption of the blood supply to the brain, it is sometimes called a mini-stroke.

Effects of a Stroke

Strokes exhibit different physical effects depending on the part of the brain that is affected. The four parts of the brain include the right hemisphere, the left hemisphere, the cerebellum at the back of the brain, and the brain stem connecting the brain to the spinal cord.

If you have a stroke, you could have a sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body involving the face, arm, or leg. You might feel sudden confusion and have difficulty speaking or understanding speech. Your eyesight could suddenly become poor. You could feel dizzy or not be able to walk properly. You might be unable to control your actions. Some people might also have a sudden, severe headache with no known cause. If you experience these symptoms, call an ambulance immediately. The time factor is very important in preventing damage to the brain.

Repercussions of a stroke depend on the amount of damage to the brain. They can vary from paralysis to severe mood swings to a change in perception to problems with speech, eating, or thinking. With rehabilitation many of these effects can improve over time and may even disappear completely.

Strokes exhibit different physical effects depending on the part of the brain that is affected. The four parts of the brain include the right hemisphere, the left hemisphere, the cerebellum at the back of the brain, and the brain stem connecting the brain to the spinal cord.

If you have a stroke, you could have a sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body involving the face, arm, or leg. You might feel sudden confusion and have difficulty speaking or understanding speech. Your eyesight could suddenly become poor. You could feel dizzy or not be able to walk properly. You might be unable to control your actions. Some people might also have a sudden, severe headache with no known cause. If you experience these symptoms, call an ambulance immediately. The time factor is very important in preventing damage to the brain.

Repercussions of a stroke depend on the amount of damage to the brain. They can vary from paralysis to severe mood swings to a change in perception to problems with speech, eating, or thinking. With rehabilitation many of these effects can improve over time and may even disappear completely.

Stroke survivors are affected by mental and physical disabilities because of the damage to the brain. The objective of rehabilitation is to help the stroke survivor relearn lost skills and become self-managing and productive as soon as possible. This usually involves practicing coordinating the movement of limbs and carrying out tasks to overcome disabilities.

Rehabilitation can begin as early as 24 to 48 hours after the stroke once the patient’s condition is stabilized. Many stroke patients experience some paralysis, so the initial objective of their rehabilitation is to restore movement through exercises. This might be passive exercise, which is assisted by a therapist, or active exercise done independently. Rehabilitation experts such as nurses and therapists help stroke survivors to relearn daily tasks like bathing, dressing, and using the restroom. For some stroke survivors, rehabilitation could be a continuous process that takes years.

Relatives and friends are an essential piece of any stroke recovery plan. They can offer emotional support during rehabilitation exercises. And during down-time, while you play cards or watch television, you can practice speech therapy.

Friends and family will be able to help you physically with tasks you cannot do on your own and encourage you in tasks you can do. This should help increase your confidence and move you further along the road to recovery.

Independence after a Stroke

Strokes affect people in various ways and can interfere with your ability to think, react, communicate, and see. Some stroke survivors are able to perform several everyday tasks on their own, while others are not. This is especially true of a task many people think of as they gateway to independence: driving. If you have had a stroke, you should think carefully about whether driving is in your best interest as well as the interest of others. You might have to undergo assessment by authorities, receive specialized training, or modify the vehicle you drive. If you have been advised not to drive, it is better to stay off the road even if you feel like you are losing your independence.

Depression after Stroke

Having a stroke results in many new and difficult challenges and it is normal to feel depressed after a stroke. In some patients, this can become a major depressive disorder that needs medical attention. A major disorder is one that lasts every day for at least two weeks. A stroke survivor with depression might be sad or in low spirits or might lose interest in things the person used to enjoy. There could be other problems like feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or hopeless or physical changes in appetite or weight, problems sleeping, body aches including headache, digestion problems, sexual problems, anxiety or thoughts of suicide.

During the first year after a stroke, you are at higher risk of having another. Fortunately, there are methods that can reduce the risk of another stroke:

• Control your blood pressure. Stroke patients are advised to maintain their blood pressure less than 140/90 mmHg.
• Do not smoke. Nicotine increases the risk of stroke, heart attack, cancer, and lung diseases. If you are a smoker, quit smoking.
• Control your weight. Overweight and obesity enhance the risk of stroke, heart attack, diabetes, high cholesterol, and cancer.
• Maintain a healthy diet, Eat food that is low in fat and salt and high in fiber. Avoid consuming more than two alcoholic drinks a day.
• Control your cholesterol. Reduce cholesterol levels through proper diet and medications.
• Regular exercise. Being physically active and engaging in regular physical activity can boost good cholesterol and reduce high blood pressure, weight, diabetes, and stroke.
• Blood thinners. Your doctor may prescribe medications to reduce the risk of blood clotting and thus reduce the risk of another stroke.
• Regular doctor visits. Have regular checkups with your personal physician to manage blood pressure, maintain weight, and control cholesterol and other risk factors.

Going Beyond Rehabilitation

Stroke survivors need to go beyond rehabilitation to reintegrate into normal lives. Keeping in touch with other stroke survivors, learning more about stroke and its effects, and building emotional and physical strength is essential for the adventure ahead.