Effects of Stroke On the Brain

The effects of stroke on the brain depend on location, extent of damage, and time of onset to treatment. During a stroke, the blood flow is restricted or lost causing ischemia and cell death. When cells die, functional ability is affected that may be temporary or long lasting.

The brain has a left and right hemisphere that are responsible for certain functions of the body. A stroke event on either side effects functions of the extremities on the opposite side of the body, including the face.

Stroke in the left hemisphere may cause:

• Right hemiplegia (right side paralysis)


• Inability to speak and understand language (aphasia)


• Memory difficulties


• Right hemiparesis (right side weakness)


• Behavior may be slow and cautious


• Inability to learn new things

Stroke in the right hemisphere:

• Left hemiplegia (paralysis)


• visual disturbances


• Behavioral issues


• Memory loss


• Spacial difficulties, unable to comprehend distances

The brain has two main arteries located on both sides of the neck called carotid arteries. The carotids feed and nourish the brain with oxygen and nutrients for proper functioning. Equally important are the four lobes of the brain tat make up the cerebellum, each being responsible for certain physical abilities, such as motor skills, vision, and memory. The lobes make up the cerebellum and include:

• Frontal


• Parietal


• Temporal


• Occipital

A stroke in any of these areas can result in long term disabilities and problems such as:

• Seizures


• Poor concentration and judgement


• Sleep disturbances


• decreased libido


• Emotional difficulties

The brain stem is responsible for life functions such as consciousness, breathing, heart rate, maintaining blood pressure levels, and digestion. A stroke in this region can lead to coma and death. The brain stem can be affected by a stroke in the cerebrum due to cerebral swelling that puts pressure on the brain stem.

Immobility:

Is of significant concern due to the complications that can arise from it, such as pneumonia, bed sores, and blood clots in the extremities. It is important for these patients to be tuned at least every two hours to reduce these risks. Further, if a patient is unable to swallow or cough, food can be inhaled into the lungs causing a choking hazard and aspiration pneumonia. These patients benefit from having a tube surgically inserted into the stomach to receive nourishment while relearning how to swallow again, if at all possible.

Other problems of immobility:

Contractures or muscle wasting of the arms and legsBeing incontinent of urine leading to skin breakdownUrinary tract infections

The brain is the center of the nervous system and controls every aspect of body movement from breathing to excretion of waste from the body. The effects of stroke on the brain can mean the difference between living independently and being totally dependent on others for daily needs. Learning the symptoms of stroke will enable anyone to act quickly in obtaining medical care as soon as possible to avoid a delay in treatment and subsequent severe brain damage.

by Barb Hicks, RN/LMT