Stroke is a dreaded as well as life-threatening disease that affects different areas of the brain. Nine major areas of the brain can be affected by strokes. Each area of the brain controls different parts of the body, and therefore we need to learn which side of the brain is affected for the fast recovery of patients.
Experts have made advances in hemorrhagic stroke treatment and cerebral infarction treatment. Although both have the chances of becoming life-threatening, with early detection, the risk factors are considerably reduced. A top neurosurgeon would need to study the location of the blood clot in the brain for quick treatment. If left untreated, the chances of living past 5 years are considerably reduced.
What is a Stroke?
When the supply of blood to the brain is compromised, it leads to a stroke. The Proper supply of blood to the brain is compromised because of many factors; There may be a blood clot in an artery that stops the flow of blood to an area of the brain (ischemic stroke), or an artery in the brain may burst which will cause bleeding in the brain (hemorrhagic stroke). Although the treatment after stroke is difficult, stroke rehab is possible through neuroplasticity.
Difference Between Cortical and Subcortical Strokes
Before explaining how a stroke can affect different parts of a person’s brain, you should learn the difference between a cortical and subcortical stroke. The cerebral cortex of the brain consists of 4 lobes: frontal, occipital, temporal, and parietal. If the stroke affects these parts of the brain, it is called a cortical stroke.
Besides the cerebral cortex or cerebrum, the brain has subcortical structures lying deep inside the human brain. A stroke in these areas of the brain is called a subcortical stroke.
How Can a Stroke Affect Different Parts of the Brain?
The major parts of the brains that are affected by a stroke and their levels of impacts are discussed below:
· Frontal lobe – The frontal lobe acquires a large portion of the cerebrum. The frontal lobe controls motor skills, speech, language, social skills, and executive functioning. Frontal lobe stroke leads to behavioural changes, motor impairments, and difficulty of speech in the survivor.
· Parietal lobe – A Stroke in the parietal lobe affects sensory interpretation, including language skills and spatial awareness. It leads to difficulty in writing, difficulty in speaking and reading.
· Occipital lobe – When a stroke hits the occipital lobe, it greatly affects the vision of the survivor. If an occipital lobe stroke is left untreated, it can lead to cortical blindness, vision loss, and visual hallucinations.
· Temporal lobe – The temporal lobe is also an important part of the brain. The temporal lobe controls a person’s hearing, other sensory processes, and language comprehension. When a stroke affects the temporal lobe, it can lead to hearing loss, vision loss, and difficulty in comprehending speech.
· Brain stem – The brain stem consists of the midbrain, medulla oblongata, and pons. If you get a stroke in these areas of the brain, it is called brain stem stroke. The brain stem controls body functions such as breathing, consciousness, and sweating. A Brain stem stroke can cause coma, problems in swallowing, and breathing difficulty.
· Thalamus – If you have a stroke in the Thalamus, it is called a thalamic stroke. Thalamic stroke leads to sensory problems because the thalamus controls sensory issues. After you recover from a thalamic stroke, you will feel numbness and chronic pain.
· Cerebellum – If your stroke is related to the cerebellum of your brain, you have a cerebellar stroke. The cerebellum controls voluntary movements like a person’s balance and coordination. You may have balance and sensory issues such as ataxia. It can cause damage to the right hemisphere of the cerebellum causing poor hand and arm coordination.
· Internal capsule – The internal capsule is located deep within the brain. Stroke in the internal capsule of the brain affects movement. It causes motor impairments. Another name given to internal capsule stroke is pure motor stroke.
· Basal ganglia – The basal ganglia is that part of the brain which controls emotions, cognitive function, voluntary muscle control, and memory. Therefore, basal ganglia stroke leads to emotional blunting, depression, and movement problems.
Left Hemisphere Stroke and Right Hemisphere Stroke
You should also know that the brain is divided into two halves, the left hemisphere and the right hemisphere. The left hemisphere controls a person’s language and reasoning, while the left hemisphere controls the person’s creativity and object recognition. The left hemisphere controls movements of the right side of your body and vice versa. When a stroke hits the right hemisphere, it will lead to motor impairments in the left side of the body, and a stroke in the left hemisphere leads to motor impairment that affects the right side of the body.
If you happen to be in Coimbatore or its surrounding areas, consult at the best neurology hospital in Coimbatore. Coimbatore has an advanced Healthcare Infrastructure that is world-class. Some of the best hospitals in the country like Sri Ramakrishna Hospital (https://www.sriramakrishnahospital.com) for example, have contributed to better Neurological care.
Multi-Specialty Hospitals in Coimbatore are well prepared to ensure a patient receives the right surgery for the type of stroke they suffer from, but first consult with one of the best neurosurgeons in Coimbatore. Depending on the severity of the stroke and the aftermath of neurosurgery, the consulting neurologist would guide you through the steps you need to take to recover completely.
Conclusion
Doctors say that each case of stroke is different–which is true–. Your doctor will see the signs and symptoms of your stroke and determine your line of treatment. He/she will conduct tests to see which side of your brain has been affected by the stroke and treat you accordingly. Although it might take time to heal and to restart life from before you faced the stroke, you should never give up hope, which makes recovery easier.
Author Bio:
Lesli is a Content Writer and loves to blog about health-related articles. She enjoys learning and specializes in guest blogging, blog publishing, and social media. She is an avid reader and loves writing impeccable content pertaining to health care.
