The good news is that in many instances, a brain can heal itself after a stroke. The brain is a fighter.
A stroke is triggered when a blood vessel in the brain gets blocked or bursts. A common analogy is that it’s like a heart attack in the brain. Blood vessels are critical as they carry nutrients and oxygen to the brain. When a stroke causes a blood vessel to block or rupture, the neurons in the brain are deprived of blood. Without blood, these cells starve and die. This damage triggers different physical and mental changes in stroke victims.
Fortunately, damaged brain cells are not beyond repair. They can regenerate — this process of creating new cells is called neurogenesis. The most rapid recovery usually occurs during the first three to four months after a stroke. However, recovery can continue well into the first and second year. A strong post-stroke care plan can make a world of difference.
What are the Effects of a Stroke?
Strokes can affect everyone differently depending on the severity of the stroke, which side of the brain was damaged, and a person’s overall health before the stroke. The side of the body most affected is opposite the side of the brain that was initially damaged.
Common physical, mental, and emotional symptoms following a stroke include:
I like the fact that Dr. Pranjal not at all flashy. He’s soft-spoken, very low-key, and a gentleman. And the staff is wonderful. It really makes you feel comfortable to be in their care. I had such good results because he’s the best surgeon around.
I had constant headaches. Consequently, I didn’t sleep much and it had a big impact on me. I got very depressed because I felt sick all the time. Dr. Sweety is great. She always explains everything she is going to do. The headaches are almost entirely gone.
One meeting with him before my spinal surgery and I knew I was in safe hands. He instilled a certain confidence in me that everything was going to be alright. And it was after surgery…!