EFFECTS OF STROKES

The brain is an extremely complex organ that controls various body functions. If a stroke occurs and blood flow can't reach the region that controls a particular body function, that part of the body won't work as it should.

If the stroke occurs toward the back of the brain, for instance, it's likely that some disability involving vision will result. The effects of a stroke depend primarily on the location of the obstruction and the extent of brain tissue affected.

Right Brain

The effects of a stroke depend on several factors, including the location of the obstruction and how much brain tissue is affected. However, because one side of the brain controls the opposite side of the body, a stroke affecting one side will result in neurological complications on the side of the body it affects. For example, if the stroke occurs in the brain's right side, the left side of the body (and the left side of the face) will be affected, which could produce any or all of the following:

• Paralysis on the left side of the body   
• Vision problems   
• Quick, inquisitive behavioral style   
• Memory loss

Left Brain

If the stroke occurs in the left side of the brain, the right side of the body will be affected, producing some or all of the following:

• Paralysis on the right side of the body   
• Speech/language problems   
• Slow, cautious behavioral style   
• Memory loss

Brain Stem

When stroke occurs in the brain stem, depending on the severity of the injury, it can affect both sides of the body and may leave someone in a ‘locked-in’ state. When a locked-in state occurs, the patient is generally unable to speak or achieve any movement below the neck.

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This content was last reviewed on 10/23/2012.