What is Stroke?- Brain Stroke Information

Cerebrovascular accident, CVA, stroke, brain stroke and brain attack are all terms that refer to the death of brain tissue due to a loss of oxygen to the brain.

There are two main types of stroke: Ischaemic stroke, and Hemorrhagic stroke.

Ischaemic stroke is when a blood vessel in the brain becomes blocked either by a blood clot (called an embolic stroke) or by a build up of fat, cholesterol or calcium within the artery (called a thrombolytic stroke).

Hemorrhagic stroke is when a blood vessels bursts, causing bleeding in the brain itself (called an intracerebral hemorrhage) or in the space around the brain (called a subarachnoid hemorrhage).

Ischaemic stroke is the most common form of stroke.  The problems stroke causes are because of the lack of oxygen the brain receives.  This lack of oxygen means that part of the brain dies and the functions controlled by those parts of the brain are lost.

Where the stroke occurs in the brain determines how what effects is has.

Right Hemisphere Strokes

Right Hemisphere Strokes often cause paralysis in the left side of the body, as the right hemisphere of the cerebrum controls the left side of the body.

Other problems include difficulties judging distances and picking up objects- spatial awareness problems.

Some may also neglect people or objects on their left hand side.  Short term memory difficulties are another issue for many stroke survivors.

One more common concern is that survivors of right hemisphere strokes may be very ambitious in their behavior and believe they can do everything they used to before the stroke.  While this attitude is good for recovery, it can lead to danger such as trying to walk down stairs unaided and without someone there to help should you begin to fall.

Left Hemisphere Strokes

Left hemisphere strokes often cause paralysis in the right side of the body, as the left side of the cerebrum controlling the right side of the body.

Another common effect of left hemisphere stroke is aphasia, or language difficulties.  These range from light to severe speech loss with quick to long recovery timeframes.

Memory and thinking difficulties also arise out of left hemisphere strokes, as well as cautious behavior.

Cerebellum Strokes

Often cause coordination and balance problems, dizziness (vertigo), nausea and vomiting.

Brain Stem Strokes

The brain stem controls all of our vital functions for survival.  A brain stem stroke may effect breathing, heart beat and blood pressure, as well as hearing, speech and swallowing.  A stroke in this area can also create paralysis as messages need to get through the brain stem on the way to the rest of the body.

Emotional Effects

Stroke can also create emotional changes.  Sometimes a stroke survivor can seem to have a totally different personality after their stroke.  Outbursts of crying, shouting or laughing can happen.

Perhaps the most common emotional effect is depression.  As adjustment to life after stroke happens, many survivors experience depression, which can impact in recovery significantly.  This can also affect family, stroke survivors aren't the only ones who go through a life change.  For many, dealing with depression can be one of the greatest factors in improving stroke recovery.

What Can I Do?

Don't get discouraged by your or your loved one's stroke effects.  Even great challenges can be overcome, many stroke survivors have recovered from even severe strokes.  Continue on and always search for the best help for yourself or your stroke survivor.  Remember- if you survived, you survived for a reason.