Effects of Stroke - Stroke: An Overview - Elder Health Guides


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Stroke: An Overview

Article Navigation:

  1. Introduction to Stroke
  2. Definition of Stroke
  3. Symptoms of Stroke
  4. Effects of Stroke
  5. Risks for Stroke
  6. Causes of Stroke
  7. Treatment for Stroke
  8. Therapy for Stroke
  9. Stroke Caregiving
  10. Stroke Prevention
  11. Stroke References

Effects of Stroke

What are the Effects of Stroke

The long-lasting effects of stroke depend on what part of the brain is affected and what functions that part of the brain has.[2] You may feel weakness or paralysis on one side of the body. There may be numbness on this side as well. You may tire easily. There may also be stiffness and pain in your muscles; poor balance and/or coordination; and speech difficulties. In addition, you may have problems with thinking, memory and attention. There may be problems with swallowing and bowel or bladder control. You may also experience difficulty controlling your emotions or you may become depressed. Rehabilitation specialists can help you with many of these issues.

With respect to movement and mobility, because one side of the brain controls movement on the opposite side of the brain, stroke on one side often affects movement the opposite side. Also, some brain functions are localized and a stroke can affect specific functions depending on where it occurs. Here are some examples of what can happen.[7]

Effects of Right Brain Stroke

If the right side of the brain is affected by stroke, the left side of the body will be paralyzed. Other effects can occur because of functions localized on the right side of the brain:

Effects of Left Brain Stroke

If the left side of the brain is injured by a stroke, then the right side of the body is paralyzed. Other effects include:

Stroke Prognosis

About 70% of people who have ischemic stroke regain their independence and 10% recover completely.[2][8] About 25% of those who have had an ischemic stroke die. The outcome of a hemorrhagic stroke depends on what part of the brain it was located in. Generally, though, hemorrhagic stroke has a worse prognosis than ischemic stroke. Overall, 25% of stroke patients recover with minor impairment; 40% have moderate to severe impairment; and 10% require long-term care. Approximately, 14% of stroke victims will have another stroke within one year.[2]


This Elder Health Guide was published on October 18, 2009 and was updated on January 5, 2010.

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