Physical Effects

The most common physical symptom of a stroke is difficulty in swallowing- this is called dysphagia. Other effects include pain, fatigue, incontinence, foot drop (inability to lift the front of the foot), seizures, paralysis, poor muscle control, muscle spasms and problems in sleeping. A person might have one or more of these symptoms together.

Emotional impact

A stroke can be life-changing occurrence and could entail a person to relearn even the most basic survival activities. It can render a person confused, perplexed and scared. The person may also experience depression, anxiety, loss of identity, a feeling of vulnerability, and frustration. They need to be handled with patience and care. If things are getting too unbearable and overwhelming, a therapist should be consulted. 

Types of Stroke

A stroke can belong to either of these three categories:

  1. Ischemic strokes- these occur when clots block blood flow
  2. Hemorrhagic strokes- these occur when a blood vessel in the brain bursts
  3. Ministrokes, or transient ischemic attacks- caused by temporary clots

What Does A Ministroke Feel Like?

A ministroke is like other strokes but it passes more quickly and is harder to notice. It usually lasts for a few minutes or a few hours. The symptoms pass so quickly that they are barely noticeable. A person might have difficulty with movement and speech but it might return in a few minutes. Ministrokes should be taken seriously as they are a forewarning that a stroke might occur.

What Causes Strokes?

Urban lifestyle is really stressful and stress increases the chances of a stroke. Other factors that can lead to a stroke are:

Age- Arteries become narrower with age, and so are more prone to being blocked

Sex- Young men more than young women are more prone to dying of a stroke but older women after menopause are more like to die of stroke than men.

Genetics- If a close relative has ever had a stroke, a person is likely to have one too.

Personal History- If a person has experienced a stroke, they are likely to have another.

What Makes You More Vulnerable

Apart from stress and other factors mentioned before, the conditions mentioned ahead also makes a person more susceptible to strokes- high cholesterol, high blood pressure, depression, sickle cell disease vasculitis, which involves inflammation of the blood vessels, and diabetes.