- Main consequences of stroke
- 1. Difficulty moving one side of the body
- 2. Changes in the face
- 3. Difficulty speaking
- 4. Urinary and fecal incontinence
- 5. Confusion and memory loss
- 6. Depression and feelings of revolt
- How is recovery after a stroke
After having a stroke, the patient may have several mild or severe sequelae, such as having difficulty walking having to use a wheelchair or having difficulty speaking, for example, these consequences may be temporary or stay for life.
Thus, to reduce these limitations it may be necessary to undergo physical therapy, speech therapy and cognitive stimulation with the help of a physiotherapist, speech therapist and nurse to gain more autonomy and recover, because initially the patient may be dependent on a family member to perform the day-to-day tasks like bathing or eating.
The limitations caused by stroke, also known as stroke, depend on the region of the brain that was affected and its extent, as can be seen in the image. However, in some patients the cerebral blood supply is resumed so quickly that it leaves no changes in the functioning of the body.
Main consequences of stroke
Both ischemic strokes, which are when blood and oxygen cannot pass because the vein is clogged, as well as hemorrhagic strokes, if there is a rupture of a brain vein causing internal bleeding, they can cause sequelae in the patient.
Generally, the main physical damage is the loss of strength, balance and muscle tone on one side of the body which makes it difficult to move to walk, sit or lie down and, in some cases, the individual is bedridden or uses a wheelchair to move.
In addition, the patient may have cognitive changes, developing confusion and difficulty understanding simple orders, needing a family member to help carry out daily activities.
1. Difficulty moving one side of the body
The difficulty in walking, lying or sitting occurs due to loss of strength, muscle and balance on one side of the body, with the arm and leg on one side of the paralyzed and fallen body, known as hemiplegia.
Generally, the affected arm and leg become stiff and it is difficult to move, and the sensitivity of the affected side may decrease, increasing the risk of falling and injuring yourself.
2. Changes in the face
The face may be asymmetrical, with a crooked mouth, a forehead without wrinkles and a droopy eye on only one side of the face.
Some patients have difficulty swallowing solid or liquid foods, known as dysphagia, which increases the risk of choking and, therefore, it is necessary to adapt the food to the individual's ability to eat, preparing small soft foods or using thickeners to improve consistency of meals. In addition, the individual can see and hear badly on the side that has changes.
3. Difficulty speaking
Many patients find it difficult to speak, their voice is very low, unable to say a few words completely or even losing their ability to speak completely, which makes it difficult to interact with family and friends.
4. Urinary and fecal incontinence
Urinary and fecal incontinence is frequent, and the patient cannot identify the desire to go to the bathroom, being necessary to wear a diaper to avoid constantly soiling his underwear.
5. Confusion and memory loss
Confusion is frequent, such as having difficulty understanding simple orders and recognizing familiar objects, not knowing what they are for, such as using a toothbrush to comb your hair, for example. In addition, memory loss can lead to repetition of behaviors, in addition to difficulty in orienting yourself in time and space.
6. Depression and feelings of revolt
Generally, the individual who has had a stroke develops severe depression caused by hormonal changes and the difficulty in living with the sudden changes caused by the disease, leading to irritability and isolation of the patient.
How is recovery after a stroke
To reduce the limitations that stroke causes and recover some damage caused by the disease, it is essential to have treatment, which includes:
- Physiotherapy sessions with a specialized physiotherapist to help the patient regain balance, shape and muscle tone, being able to walk, sit and lie down alone. Cognitive stimulation with occupational therapists and nurses who perform games and activities to reduce confusion and inappropriate behavior; Speech therapy with speech therapists in order to recover the ability to express themselves.
Treatment should be started as soon as possible while still in the hospital and maintained in rehabilitation clinics and at home, and should be carried out daily for the patient to regain independence and gain quality of life as soon as possible.
The length of stay in the hospital depends on the severity of the stroke, but in most cases the stay in the hospital is at least one week and in rehabilitation clinics about 1 month. In addition, at home it is necessary to continue doing the treatment to lessen the long-term consequences.
