Common Problems

Common problems

• Weakness/Paralysis

This is the most commonly associated side effect of a stroke. Generally it occurs on one side of the body. weakness or paralysis of an arm or leg is often made worse by stiffness in the muscles and joints.

• Balance

Loss of balance happens if this part of the brain is affected or due to paralysis causing muscle weakness on one side.

• Swallowing

Half of all stroke sufferer's might have difficulty with swallowing in the first few weeks. This is called dysphagia.

• Sleep and Tiredness

Most people will suffer from extreme tiredness in the first few weeks after having a stroke. In addition some people experience difficulty with sleeping which adds to their tiredness.

• Speech and Language

Many people experience difficulties with their speaking, understanding, reading and writing skills. This is called Aphasia.

There are two main types of aphasia. When people have

1. Difficulty understanding - receptive aphasia

2. Difficulty Expressing, finding the right words - expressive dysphasia

• Eyesight

People who have had a stroke may suffer from double vision, or lose half of their field of vision. Loss of vision can make people appear clumsy or show signs of odd behaviour.

• Perception and Interpreting

People may find they have difficulty recognising or knowing how to use familiar objects. The brain may have difficulty interpreting what the eyes see.

• Mental Processes

Thinking, learning, concentrating, remembering, making decisions, reasoning and planning can all be affected by stroke. Short term memory loss may occur making it difficult to pay attention and concentrate.

• Bladder and Bowels

Difficulty controlling the bladder and bowels, referred to as incontinence is common after a stroke. Most people regain control after the first few weeks.

• Mood Swings

Emmotional highs and lows are common in people who have just suffered stroke. Depression, sadness, anger, anxiety, low self esteem and loss of confidence are all common after effects.

People often find control of their emotions difficult, they may cry, swear or laugh at inappropriate times. Inhibitions are removed, causing their behavious to be out of character.

• Sensation

Some people have altered sensation. Their limbs might feel numb which can affect everyday activities. Some are extra sensitive to colour sound or light.

• Pain

Some strokes can cause pain in certain parts of the body.

Recovery from a stroke usually happens gradually. People can continue to improve over a long period of time