5 Health Related Conditions You Might Experience After a Stroke
A stroke is a condition that can result in temporary or permanent loss of function in any part of the brain due to a sudden interruption of blood flow. Depending on the nature and severity of the stroke, it can have many different effects on an individual and their health. Numerous health-related conditions arise after this event, some from physical injuries while others are more mental. This article will briefly discuss five health conditions that may be present after a stroke.
1. Seizures and Epilepsy
Seizures are a symptom that can develop after a stroke, resulting in the loss of motor control in an individual. Seizures can be due to increased blood pressure or electrical charges being released from the brain. This can result in difficulty with simple tasks like walking and controlling bodily movements. There are also various treatments for seizures, such as medications and surgery to help calm the person down. Epilepsy is a disorder with many symptoms, in addition to seizures, including memory loss and confusion. Epilepsy also occurs after a stroke because of damage to the brain.
2. Depression and Anxiety
Stroke can result in depression and anxiety. The effects of depression can differ depending on how severe the stroke is, but it can lead to problems such as low self-esteem, suicidal thoughts, inappropriate anger and irritability, and difficulty concentrating. Anxiety disorders are also common after a stroke, usually appearing within two weeks of the event. Stress can result from losing one’s ability to control emotions and movement, which can cause further damage to the brain. Symptoms include extreme headaches, uncontrollable crying and shaking, panic attacks, and outbursts of anger. These disorders cause extreme worry, restlessness, and constant racing thoughts that cannot be stopped. A person needs therapy to help deal with these problems and medication for them. A therapist will provide activities and exercises to help reduce depression and anxiety.
3. Paralysis
Paralysis results from a stroke when the injury caused by the stroke is bad enough to permanently limit movement in an individual’s arms, legs, or both. This can occur on one or both sides of the body. Hemiplegia occurs on one side of the body and is usually complete, while Quadriplegia occurs on both sides and is generally incomplete. Many treatments are available to help with paralyses, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and medication. Physical and occupational therapists help individuals regain movement by using exercises to build their strength and teach them how to move again. Medication can also control spasticity (muscle stiffness) from paralysis. A person with paralysis needs to be encouraged to do things they want and like, even if they might take a while.
4. Speech Disorders
Along with paralysis, speech disorders can result from a stroke. If the part of the brain that controls speaking is injured, a person may have problems saying words or understanding others. Aphasia is a speech disorder that can develop after a stroke, affecting one’s ability to understand or communicate. Stroke damages parts of the brain and can cause a person to speak slowly, have trouble putting words together, and repeat other words or phrases. It can also cause loss of verbal memory and trouble comprehending written materials. Aphasia is treated with physical therapy, occupational therapy, and psychological and social counseling. People with speech disorders need to be taught how to communicate and given additional time to speak to prevent frustration.
5. Chronic Headaches
Chronic headaches can develop in people who have a stroke. Stress and anxiety from a stroke can contribute to chronic headaches. Also, the loss of blood flow to the regions of the brain that produce and release chemicals that cause pain in the head. Hemorrhagic stroke may also cause chronic headaches, as it can result in bleeding into the brain, which leads to tissue damage. These headaches occur frequently and continuously for several weeks, months, or years. People with these headaches need medication to help them cope with the pain. A doctor can also provide a treatment plan to help prevent them from occurring.
A stroke is a life-altering occurrence that has long-term effects on an individual’s health and well-being. Many health-related conditions can arise after a stroke. To help prevent further complications, it is important to be aware of these symptoms and how to react when they occur. It is important to consult a doctor when dealing with any of these disorders. They can help provide tips on dealing with each circumstance and assist the patient in finding the best treatment plan for their condition.
