Behavior Changes After Stroke: Why They Happen & What It Means

Behavior changes after stroke can be a normal part of the recovery process. Some changes, however, can indicate the presence of other medical complications that require treatment. This article will explain potential changes in behavior so that you know what to expect and can seek medical attention when necessary. We’ve updated this guide to be as comprehensive as possible. To help make it easier to navigate, use the links below to jump straight to each behavior. Why Do Personality and Behavior Changes Occur After Stroke? Personality is defined as an individual’s unique pattern of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Although we tend to view...

Effects of a Stroke Explained: The Potential Physical & Cognitive After Math

Strokes are medical emergencies that impact the supply of blood in the brain. With appropriate and timely medical treatment, the person’s life is often saved, but potential brain damage will likely cause secondary effects. Every stroke is different and, as a result, every patient will experience secondary effects differently. This means it’s a good idea to understand the potential effects, so that you’re able to catch signs early. This page has been updated to contain a long, comprehensive list of the most common effects of a stroke. Bookmark this page, and use the links below to jump straight to any section. What Causes...

Understanding Seizures After Stroke: Causes, Statistics, & Treatment

Seizures after a stroke occur because of changes in electrical activity within the brain. However, just because you’ve had a stroke does not mean you’ll experience a seizure; and just because you’ve had a seizure does not mean you have epilepsy. Many factors, including the severity and location of a stroke, can influence one’s likelihood of having a seizure. What Causes Seizures After Stroke? To understand the link between seizures and stroke, let’s discuss the definition of each. A stroke is a neurological injury caused by either a blocked or ruptured artery in the brain. When a stroke occurs, an area of the...

Can a Stroke Cause Dementia? Here’s What You Need to Know About “Vascular Dementia”

Dementia refers to a loss of cognitive abilities such as memory, decision-making, and problem-solving. It’s most commonly caused by Alzheimer’s disease, but strokes can cause dementia too — specifically vascular dementia. How can a stroke cause dementia? To understand how a stroke can cause dementia, let’s look at the connection between the brain, the arteries, and a stroke. A stroke occurs when the supply of blood in the brain becomes disrupted by either a clogged or burst artery. When brain cells do not receive enough blood, they are deprived of oxygen and other essential nutrients, which can lead to brain damage. For this...

On Being Bedridden After Stroke: How to Maximize Recovery

If your loved one is bedridden after stroke, there are steps you can take to help manage potential complications and maximize chances of recovery. Range-of-motion exercise are a staple of recovery, and you’ll soon learn why and how. Why do some stroke survivors become bedbound? Patients may become bedbound due to various complications after stroke, but most often the culprit is partial or total paralysis. Paralysis can occur after a stroke has damaged the areas of the brain responsible for movement. The brain and muscles are constantly communicating with each other to create movement. When this communication is disrupted by a stroke, it...