A stroke can have a wide array of effects on a person’s mental and physical abilities. The type of damage that occurs depends on the part of the brain that has been damaged. There are five major types of stroke-related damage:

• Paralysis or problems controlling movement. Paralysis is among the most common difficulties caused by stroke, and usually affects one side of the body (hemiplegia). In most cases, paralysis occurs on the side of the body that is opposite to the side of the brain that has been damaged. If the damage is confined to weakness rather than paralysis, it is known as hemiparesis. Some patients also may have trouble swallowing (dysphagia) or coordinating movements (ataxia) as a result of damage to the brain.
  
  
• Problems using or understanding language (aphasia). About 25 percent of stroke survivors experience language impairment, according to the National Institutes of Health. This can affect the ability to speak, write, read and understand verbal communication.
  
  
• Sensory disturbances. Some patients experience damage that limits their ability to feel pain, position, temperature or touch. Pain, numbness or other sensations may occur in compromised limbs (paresthesia).
  
  
• Problems with thinking and memory. Strokes can damage portions of the brain used for awareness, learning and memory. This can result in a variety of symptoms ranging from memory loss to an inability to plan or complete complex tasks.
  
  
• Emotional problems. Certain emotions are common in people who have had strokes. These include anger, anxiety, fear, frustration, grief and sadness. Clinical depression is the emotional disorder most often associated with stroke.

People who survive a stroke may have other symptoms related to brain damage. For example, problems with vision are common in people after a stroke. The eyes and brain function together to produce images and stroke can cause blurred vision, eye strain and other vision disturbances. A vision test is recommended after a stroke to assess any stroke-related damage. Additionally, incontinence of the bladder and bowels may occur after a stroke. Exercises for retraining the pelvic muscles may be advised, as well as establishing a regular voiding schedule.