Blood vessels carry oxygen and critical nutrients to different parts of the body. When a blood vessel in the brain becomes blocked or suddenly bursts, a stroke happens. When this happens, the brain becomes deprived of oxygen and nutrients, therefore damaging the nerve cells.

As a result, these nerve cells starve and die, and therefore, they can’t perform the functions they are responsible for. This is what causes the physical and cognitive changes that stroke victims go through.

However, the damaged brain cells are not beyond repair. They can still regenerate, much like other cells of our body. This process of regeneration is called neurogenesis.

First, let’s take a look at the effects of stroke.

Effects of a Stroke

Depending on the severity of the stroke, the side of the brain that has been damaged, and the health condition of the person before the stroke, they may experience one or a combination of the following effects:

• Muscle weakness, typically on one side of the body
• Walking difficulty
• Joint pain
• Rigidity in joints
• Muscle stiffness and spasms
• Numbness or tingling in the arms and legs
• Incontinence
• Trouble grasping objects
• Vision problems
• Altered sense of touch or temperature
• Chronic pain (neuropathic pain)
• Uncoordinated body movements
• Difficulty swallowing and eating
• Speech and language difficulties
• Inability to remember
• Trouble focusing
• Trouble judging space and distance
• Emotional distress
• Depression

It’s important to note that the side of the body affected is the opposite of the side of the brain that has been damaged. Regardless of which side of the brain the stroke occurred, memory loss and physical paralysis are common. However, the most serious strokes involve the brain stem, wherein major paralysis and speech issues occur.

Stroke on the left side of the brain exhibits the following symptoms:

• A slow, cautious, behavior
• Speech problems

Stroke on the right side of the brain exhibits the following symptoms:

• A quick, inquisitive behavior
• Vision problems

Post-Stroke Healing

Rehabilitation and proactive care can help stroke survivors relearn physical and cognitive abilities and functions that have been lost or reduced due to stroke. As a caregiver, here’s what you can do to help:

1. Closely monitor their medication and keep tabs of any negative side effects.
2. Evaluate the environment or home to reduce accidents.
3. Ensure a healthy diet.
4. Encourage activity such as walking and other light exercises.
5. Be on the lookout for falls or signs of dizziness.
6. Encourage brain games.
7. Offer music and art.
8. Encourage them to interact with others.
9. Turn to other family members or friends for help caring for them.
10. Take care of yourself.

Best of all, know that you can seek the services of facilities such as Blessed Home to help you care for your stroke survivor loved ones.