Transcript: Stroke is the biggest cause of disability in the United States. What exactly happens after a personsuffers a stroke? The specific disability caused by a stroke depends on both the extent of the brain damage and where in the brain the injury occurred.  The brain is a complicated organ which is divided into several main parts: The right and left hemispheres, the cerebellum, which is located at the back of the brain, and the brain stem, which is located at the bottom of the brain.  Each part is responsible for specific functions in the body. Let’s look at how a stroke in each of the different areas of the brain might affect a survivor. A stroke in the right hemisphere of the brain often causes paralysis in the left side of the body. This is known as left hemiplegia. Right-hemisphere stroke survivors may have difficulty with spatial and perceptual abilities, resulting in trouble picking things up, misjudging distances, difficulty dressing, and falling down. Survivors of right-hemisphere strokes often have judgment difficulties. They often develop impulsive, dangerous habits, like driving a car when they do not have the spatial ability to do so. Right-hemisphere stroke survivors may also experience left-side neglect, causing them to ignore objects on their left. For example, a person with this condition might not eat food on the left half of their plate. Conversely, a stroke in the left hemisphere of the brain can cause paralysis in the right side of the body, or right hemiplegia. Survivors of left-hemisphic strokes may develop aphasia, a term used to describe difficulty with speaking or understanding language. Patients who have had a left-hemisphere stroke often develop a slow, cautious style of behavior. They may need frequent instruction and feedback on the most basic of tasks. Both right and left-hemisphere strokes can affect short-term memory, resulting in difficulty learning new information and an impaired ability to retain it. A stroke that occurs in the cerebellum affects reflexes and balance.  Cerebellal strokes can result in difficulty standing, nausea, dizziness and even vomiting.  The most physically devastating of strokes are those that occur in the brain stem. The brain stem is responsible for all involuntary functions of the body, like blood pressure, heartbeat and breathing. Damage to this area may require life support.  Brain stem strokes can also lead to problems with hearing, talking and swallowing.  No matter the type of stroke, some level of depression is almost always present in survivors. A depressed person may refuse to take medication or participate in physical or occupational therapy.  Strokes have a profound life-altering effect on survivors. Most will need therapy…and time…to begin the healing process. If you have suffered a stroke, please be sure to remain under a doctor’s care.