With more than 700,000 strokes each year, approximately 77 percent of these cases do not result in death. That leaves many survivors and their families to deal with the outcomes of stroke.

Stroke can cause temporary or permanent weakness or paralysis. Some people may suffer from impaired memory, impaired speech, loss of muscle strength, impaired vision, inability to participate in activities, including caring for himself. Some people may suffer more disabilities than others, depending on the severity and location of the stroke.

The following are stroke outcomes that may occur.

• Another stroke.
• Problems with thinking, awareness, attention, judgment and/or memory.
• Weakness or complete paralysis on one side of the body or affecting part of the face.
• Difficulty swallowing.
• Difficulty performing daily activities such as walking, dressing, eating or using the bathroom.
• Difficulty with balance and coordination.
• Speech impairments, including difficulty forming or understanding language (aphasia), which may be accompanied by problems with writing or reading.
• Difficulty controlling emotions and mood.
• Behavior changes. May act in appropriately at times.
• Emotional affects, including depression, apathy, tiredness, frustration and anger.
• Pain or uncomfortable numbness.
• Decreased field of vision and trouble with visual perception.

Many outcomes will improve spontaneously immediately following a stroke or in the first few months. With patience, effort and dedication, many stroke outcomes will continue to improve in the years to come.

If you have questions or concerns about stroke outcomes and rehabilitation, call your doctor or 1.877.UT.CARES (1.877.882.2737) to make an appointment.

References
American Stroke Association. 2006.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “About Stroke,” Department of Health and Human Services, 2006.