Health Topics for Cardiovascular Health

UI Heart and Vascular Care

Cardiovascular Diseases

Stroke-induced Physical Impairments

A stroke, or brain attack, occurs when an artery carrying blood to part of the brain breaks or becomes clogged by a blood clot. When this happens, the part of the brain that was fed by the artery can die. This causes the part of the body that is controlled by the affected area of the brain to stop functioning.

The effects of a stroke may be lifelong, because dead brain cells are not replaced. Depending on what part of the brain was involved, a stroke can affect the senses, motor activity, and speech. It can alter behavior, thoughts and memory, and the ability to speak and understand speech. Treatment may include surgery, drugs, hospital care, and rehabilitation.

The most common brain injury from a stroke causes paralysis or weakness on one side of the face or body. This can be a permanent weakness or it can improve with time. Weakness from a stroke can affect big muscles, like those in the legs or arms, or smaller ones, like those in the face or throat.

Since a stroke can affect muscles in the throat, it can interfere with talking. Stroke survivors may have trouble saying what they are thinking. It may be hard to understand them, because their speech may be slowed, slurred, or distorted. This problem can be helped by a speech therapist. Swallowing food may also be difficult.

A brain attack often causes people to lose mobility. They may have problems using a leg or foot. They may suffer dimness or loss of sight in one eye. As a result, stroke survivors may not be able to see objects as they walk, making a fall more likely.

The success of rehabilitation depends on the extent that the brain is affected, the survivor's attitude, the rehab team's skill, and the help of family and friends. The goal is to reduce dependence and improve physical ability.

For more information, contact your local chapter of the American Heart Association or call (800) 242-8721.

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