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The effects of stroke vary from person to person based on the type, severity, location, and number of strokes. The brain is very complex. Each area of the brain is responsible for a specific function or ability. When an area of the brain is damaged from a stroke, the loss of normal function of part of the body may occur. This may result in a disability. The brain is divided into 3 main areas:
Depending on which of these regions of the brain the stroke occurs, the effects may be very different.
The cerebrum is the part of the brain that occupies the top and front portions of the skull. It controls movement and sensation, speech, thinking, reasoning, memory, vision, and emotions. The cerebrum is divided into the right and left sides, or hemispheres. Depending on the area and side of the cerebrum affected by the stroke, any, or all, of these functions may be impaired:
In addition to these general effects, some specific impairments may occur when a particular area of the cerebrum is damaged. Maggie Whittum suffered a life-threatening stroke that left half her face paralyzed, a devastating loss for a talented actress. Today, she's back to performing.
The effects of a right hemisphere stroke may include:
Effects of a left hemisphere stroke in the cerebrumThe effects of a left hemisphere stroke may include:
What effects can be seen with a stroke in the cerebellum?The cerebellum is located beneath and behind the cerebrum towards the back of the skull. It receives sensory information from the body through the spinal cord. It helps coordinate muscle action and control, fine movement, coordination, and balance. Although strokes are less common in the cerebellum area, the effects can be severe. Four common effects of strokes in the cerebellum include:
What effects can be seen with a stroke in the brainstem?The brainstem is located at the base of the brain right above the spinal cord. Many of the body's vital "life-support" functions such as heartbeat, blood pressure, and breathing are controlled by the brainstem. It also helps control the main nerves involved with eye movement, hearing, speech, chewing, and swallowing. Some common effects of a stroke in the brainstem include problems with:
Unfortunately, death is possible with brainstem strokes. Join NURSING.com to watch the full lesson now. Join NURSING.com to watch the full lesson now. Join NURSING.com to watch the full lesson now. A nurse is assessing a client for dysphagia following a stroke 4.The nurse is assessing a client who had a stroke in the right cerebral hemisphere. Whichneurologic deficit does the nurse assess for in this client?a.Impaired proprioceptionb.Aphasiac.Agraphiad.Impaired olfactionANS: AA stroke to the right cerebral hemisphere causes impaired visual and spatial awareness. Theclient may present with impaired proprioception and may be disoriented as to time and place.The right cerebral hemisphere does not control speech, smell, or the client’s ability to write. |