Complications

Stroke ComplicationsThere may be stroke complications due to either the permanent or temporary damage that is caused. As it’s a brain injury, the complications will vary with each person.

Paralysis on one side or of certain muscles, especially on one side of the face can happen due to decreased blood flow to the brain.

Problems swallowing (dysphagia) and speaking can be caused due to a lack of control over muscles around the throat and mouth. A condition such as aphasia can make it hard for the person to eat or talk and also express their feelings.

Memory loss is quite normal for people who have suffered from a stroke. They may also find it difficult to understand and make judgements.

Post stroke pain or numbness may be developed by a certain number of people who have had a stroke, like tingling of certain body parts that have been affected. This is called central pain syndrome (CPS) and usually develops a number of weeks after onset. Due to the pain being created by the brain, it’s hard to treat CPS.

A person’s behaviour may change and become less social and more withdrawn. They also might not be able to care for themselves like they did before and may need a carer to help them with their daily activities.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) will affect a small number of people who have had a stroke. This is due to a blood clot in the leg which occurs when a person has lost movement in their leg. The symptoms are usually pain, swelling, redness and warm and tender skin.