What are Post-Stroke Side Effects?

Helpful Highlights

• Post-stroke side effects can vary widely depending on the severity and location of the stroke.

• These side effects can significantly impact your loved one's quality of life and may require a multidisciplinary approach to manage.

• The most common post-stroke side effects are impaired speech, physical limitations, weakness or paralysis of limbs on one side of the body, difficulty gripping or holding things, and a slowed ability to communicate.

There are different effects when a stroke happens on the right side of the brain versus the left side of the brain. The most fundamental effect is that a stroke on the right side of the brain causes problems on the left side of the body, and a stroke on the left side causes problems on the right.

Generally speaking, right brain post-stroke side effects are:

• Left-sided weakness

• Impulsive behavior

• Overconfidence in abilities

• Vision problems

Generally speaking, left brain post-stroke side effects are:

• Right-sided weakness

• Speech and language problems

• Slowed behavior

Common post-stroke side effects

Shoulder-hand syndrome. Muscles decrease in size and strength, causing the shoulder to slip out of its socket. Symptoms include tingling, varying feelings of hot and cold, and changes in sensation.

Learned non-use. The functional loss of one or more muscle groups on one side leads to only using "the good side". This can cause circulatory problems, muscle wasting, and skin breakdown on the affected side. It also increases the risk of injury or infection on the affected side.

Spasticity. Limbs change position and can become stiff, painful, or even shortened, limiting strength, mobility, and balance, and interfering with daily life.

Dysarthria. A collective term that describes several speech changes, including apraxia and aphasia. Aphasia can be especially frustrating.

Dysphasia. Difficulty swallowing can lead to malnutrition and aspiration (food and liquids passing into the lungs).

Cognitive impairment. Disruptions in mental processing are common among stroke survivors due to damage in parts of the brain that control communication, visual processing, memory, social skills, and attention span.

Depression. A frequent problem after a stroke resulting from the significant physical and psychological changes sustained.