What happens after a stroke?

A stroke is never the same for everyone. Symptoms vary depending on the severity, the affected area, and – especially – how quickly one arrives at the hospital.

The most common difficulties

After a stroke, you may experience:

• Speech problems (aphasia, difficulty finding words or understanding them, weak voice).

• Motor difficulties or reduced sensitivity (a weaker arm or leg).

• Attention, memory, and concentration problems (losing the thread).

• Mental and physical fatigue.

• Emotional changes (sadness, irritability, anxiety; less desire to socialize).

They don't necessarily all appear together: each person has a different experience.

If it affects the left hemisphere

In most people, the left side of the brain manages language and controls the movements of the right side of the body. A stroke here can cause:

• Aphasia (speaking or understanding becomes difficult).

• Weakness/paralysis on the right.

• Problems reading, writing, or doing calculations.

(In a minority – especially some left-handed people – language may not be left-leaning.)

If it affects the right hemisphere

The right side controls the movements of the left side and many functions of visuospatial attention. A stroke here can cause:

• Weakness/paralysis on the left.

• Attention and awareness problems (e.g., ignoring half of the space: “neglect”).

• Difficulty with orientation and spatial evaluation.

• Impulsivity or reduced awareness of one's limits.

Time is critical

• Thrombolysis: possible within ~4.5 hours from the onset of symptoms (if indicated).

• Thrombectomy: in some cases up to 6–24 hours, if tests show salvageable tissue.
  For this, at the first signs call 118 and go to the hospital immediately.

Two types of stroke

• Ischemic (more common): an artery is blocked.

• Hemorrhagic: an artery ruptures and bleeds.
  The symptoms may seem similar, but the treatments are different: medical diagnosis is needed.

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⚠️ Warning
I am not a doctor: I am sharing what I have learned. Every case is different. If symptoms such as crooked face, arm that does not lift, difficulty speaking or understanding appear, do not wait: call 118 immediately.