Table of contents:
- How does a stroke affect the body?
- 1. Food and drink enter the respiratory tract
- 2. The nervous system is damaged
- 3. Muscles cannot be used
- 4. Indigestion and urinary tract disorders
- 5. Reducing sex drive
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted due to a blockage or rupture of a blood vessel. In this condition, the brain doesn't get enough oxygen and nutrients, so cells in some areas of the brain die. As a result, the parts of the body controlled by the damaged brain areas do not function optimally. So, what are the impacts that occur on the body when a stroke occurs?
How does a stroke affect the body?
The impact of a stroke on the body varies from person to person, depending on the type, severity, location of the attack, and the number of events.
Of course, this is not surprising because the brain is very complex, where each area has a special function and responsibility. When a part of the brain is damaged by a stroke, its function is disrupted, causing disability.
Disorders of the brain due to stroke can actually affect other body functions. Quoted from Healthline, the following is the impact that will occur on the body when a stroke occurs:
1. Food and drink enter the respiratory tract
Respiratory system damage occurs when a stroke attacks the part of the brain that controls the process of swallowing food. This condition is called dysphagia, aka swallowing disorders.
What is the impact? Food and fluids can enter the airways and settle in the lungs, increasing the risk of aspiration pneumonia.
Strokes that attack the brainstem also cause breathing problems, even in more severe cases such as coma and death. The reason is because the brain stem has an important role in the process of breathing, heart rate and body temperature.
2. The nervous system is damaged
The central nervous system consists of the brain, spinal cord, and nerve tissue throughout the body. This system plays a role in sending signals from the body to the brain back and forth.
When a stroke occurs, the brain is damaged and does not receive the message properly, which in turn has a negative impact on the body. Among others are:
- Difficulty recognizing cold or warm temperature stimuli.
- Visual disturbances.
- Weakness and paralysis of limbs.
- Changes in thought patterns and behavior.
- Suli focus and memory problems.
- Difficulty speaking and understanding language.
- The risk of seizures increases.
- The mouth is distorted and the speech is not clear (pelo)
The appearance of these symptoms is adjusted to the area of the nervous system affected by a stroke.
3. Muscles cannot be used
A stroke can strike one or both sides of the brain. Muscle paralysis and weakness occurs when messages don't travel properly from the brain to the muscles of the body. As a result, weak muscles find it difficult to support the body, and even tend to increase movement and balance problems.
4. Indigestion and urinary tract disorders
Digestive system disorders appear as a side effect of stroke treatment that is being undertaken. One of them is constipation, which occurs as a result of taking painkillers, not drinking enough fluids, and rarely exercising.
Digestive system disorders can also occur when a stroke attacks the part of the brain that controls the intestines. In this condition, a person is at high risk of experiencing incontinence, aka loss of control over bowel function, causing urine or feces to come out suddenly.
5. Reducing sex drive
Stroke does not directly affect how the reproductive system works. However, a stroke can reduce the desire for sexual activity and change a person's self-image. This is usually caused due to paralysis due to stroke.
