Common problems after a stroke
There are several problems or disabilities stroke survivors may face in the first few weeks after having a stroke. Most of these will improve over time as the brain recovers. In severe cases, they may cause long-term disability.Weakness or paralysis
Weakness, clumsiness or paralysis (hemiplegia) is one of the most recognisable and most common symptoms of a stroke. It usually happens on one side of the body. Weakness or paralysis of an arm or leg is often made worse by stiffness (spasticity) of the muscles and joints.Balance
Unsteadiness (loss of balance) can be caused by damage to the part of the brain that controls balance. Or it may happen because of paralysis resulting in muscle weakness.Difficulty drinking
Swallowing
About 50 per cent of people have difficulty with swallowing after a stroke (dysphagia). This can be dangerous if food ‘goes down the wrong way’ and gets into the windpipe.All stroke patients have a swallow test in hospital and are only allowed to drink and eat when it is shown they can swallow. Some people may need fluid thickeners and help with eating for a while.
Sleep and tiredness
Most people suffer from extreme tiredness (fatigue) in the first few weeks after a stroke. Many also have difficulty sleeping, which makes them even more tired.Speech and language
Many people experience problems with speaking and understanding, and with reading and writing. This difficulty with language is called dysphasia (also known as aphasia).Confused
When a person finds it hard to understand what is being said, it is called receptive dysphasia. Sometimes a person may understand what is being said but can’t find the right words to express what they want to say – this is called expressive dysphasia. People often have a mixture of both types of dysphasia.Dysphasia is most common with strokes that damage the left side of the brain. The exception is in some left-handed people whose language area is on the right side of their brain.
