Understanding Deficits
Brain Regions and Functions
The brain is divided into regions that control the functions of the body . If a region of the brain is damaged from a stroke , symptoms related to that region may occur . These symptoms may include loss of movement or coordination , impaired sight , and trouble speaking or understanding speech .
� Sensory functions relate to sensation of body parts , such as feeling heat from a stove or pain from a sharp object on the foot .
� Motor functions relate to movement . Certain regions of the brain direct specific body movements .
� Regions in the brain also control vision , language , hearing , emotions , speech , smell , posture , and balance .
Deficits That May Occur
Understanding the deficits that you or your family member has is the first step in dealing with them . Each part of the brain has a role in controlling the body . Damage to any part of the brain limits its ability to carry out its role . This results in lost skills , problems with thought processes or movement , or changes in personality traits . Having a stroke does not mean that you have all of these changes . Your doctor and healthcare team will explain your deficits and the treatment plan .
Cognitive ( Thought Process ) Changes
Cognitive changes may include not being able to :
� Recognize family members , friends , or familiar places
� Remember how to do daily activities
� Recall such things as the date , the season , or your age
� Follow simple commands
� Act in the manner that seems appropriate to a situation
Emotional Changes
There may be a lack of control of emotions . This often involves rapid mood changes that include laughing or crying at the wrong times . This is called emotional lability .
Depression is also common after a stroke . It can slow down recovery from a stroke and needs to be treated if it occurs .
Motor ( Movement ) Deficits
Movement problems usually happen on only one side of the body . These range from mild weakness to not being able to move the arm or leg at all . If muscles in the face are weakened , there will be a drooping of an eyelid , the mouth , or a whole side of the face .
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