What lasting damage can a stroke cause?
The effects of a stroke depend on the extent and the location of damage in the brain. Among the many types of damage that can result from a stroke are: • Inability to move part of the body (paralysis) • Weakness in part of the body • Memory loss • Inability to speak or understand words • Change in personality • Confusion or poor judgement • Difficulty swallowing Why does a stroke affect different parts of the body? Nerve cells in the brain tissue communicate with other cells to control such functions as memory, speech and movement. When a stroke happens, nerve cells in the brain tissue become injured. As a result, they cannot communicate with other cells, and functions are impaired. If a stroke occurs on the right side of the brain, the left side of the body is affected, and vice versa. How is a stroke treated? The only FDA approved treatment for acute ischemic (sudden onset) stroke is a thrombolytic agent (TPA) or “clot buster” medication. TPA must be given within the first 3 hours of
