What Are the After-Effects of a Stroke?

Written by: Melody, TCM Practitioner

Stroke after-effects, or 中风后遗症 (zhōng fēng hòu yí zhèng), simply refer to the problems that remain after a stroke.

A stroke, commonly known as a "brain attack" (脑卒中), is a sudden cerebrovascular disease. When the blood supply to the brain is interrupted or reduced, brain cells become deprived of oxygen and die, leading to a series of functional impairments. These impairments are what we commonly refer to as stroke after-effects.

Imagine our brain is like a computer. A stroke is like the computer's hard drive crashing. When the hard drive is damaged, the computer doesn't function properly, and many bodily functions are affected.

What Kind of Problems Can a Stroke Leave Behind?

The severity of stroke after-effects varies from person to person, depending on the type, location, and extent of the brain damage. Common after-effects include:

🔸 Motor Impairments (身体动不了): 

Reduced or lost sensation on one side of the body, numbness, weakness, or even paralysis in the limbs.

🔸 Speech Difficulties (说话困难): 

Unclear speech (dysarthria) or difficulty understanding what others are saying (aphasia).

🔸 Swallowing Difficulties (吞咽困难): 

Choking easily when eating or drinking.

🔸 Visual Impairments (视觉障碍): 

Blurred vision, visual field defects, etc.

🔸 Memory Impairment (记忆力变差): 

Forgetfulness, slow reactions, difficulty concentrating, impaired judgment, etc.

🔸 Emotional Changes (情绪变化): 

Becoming easily agitated or depressed.

Why Do These Problems Occur?

Because a stroke damages the brain, and the brain controls various parts of the body. Once a certain area of the brain is damaged, the function of those nerve cells cannot be fully restored, leading to a series of functional impairments.

Impact of Stroke After-Effects

Stroke after-effects have a significant impact on a patient's quality of life. They not only affect the patient's physical health but can also cause psychological trauma. Patients may require long-term rehabilitation therapy and might even depend on others for care.

How to Prevent and Treat Stroke After-Effects:

🌟 Preventing Stroke:

Control blood pressure, blood sugar, and blood lipids; quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption; and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

🌟 Early Treatment:

Seek medical attention promptly after a stroke. The earlier the treatment, the better the recovery.

🌟 Rehabilitation Training:

Rehabilitation exercises can help patients regain some functions.

🌟 TCM Treatment:

TCM can promote blood circulation and improve nerve function through methods like acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine.

In Summary

Although stroke after-effects can be very challenging, with active treatment and rehabilitation, many patients can regain a certain level of independent living. Therefore, stroke patients and their families should never give up hope and should actively cooperate with their doctor's treatment.

If you'd like to learn more about TCM wellness, or if you'd like more personalized advice for your specific situation, we recommend booking a consultation.