A stroke is a medical condition that occurs when blood vessels that carry oxygen and nutrients to your brain get blocked. The condition affects about 795,000 people in the U.S. every year and requires immediate treatment from a neurologist. A stroke is considered a medical emergency and can negatively affect the body in many ways.

What a Stroke Can Do to Your Body

1. Nervous System

The nervous system, which consists of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves, is heavily affected by a stroke. The symptoms you experience will depend on which side of your brain was affected by the stroke. If the stroke occurred in the left side of your brain, you may experience speech difficulties, memory loss, behavior changes, and trouble reasoning. If the right side of your brain was damaged from the stroke, you may experience vision problems, difficulty concentrating, and depression.

2. Muscular System

After you suffer a stroke, your brain will have more difficulty sending messages to your body’s muscles. Because of this, your muscles can weaken and have difficulty supporting your body. You may experience balance issues and even be at risk of falling. A neurologist will typically recommend physical rehabilitation as a treatment.

3. Respiratory System

If a stroke affects the part of your brain that controls eating and swallowing, you may have difficulty getting food down your throat. The food and liquid you consume could settle in your lungs and lead to complications, like pneumonia. Although this condition, known as dysphagia, can improve over time, immediate medical intervention is necessary as soon as symptoms appear.

If you’ve suffered a stroke, a neurologist at the Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home in Gloversville, NY can help. The full-service hospital and nursing home facility serves patients of all ages and is equipped to treat a variety of different needs, including general surgery, cardiology, and women’s health. The facility’s team of 160 physicians and 70 allied health care providers offer their patients a safe and caring environment and are committed to helping them restore their health. For more information about their services, call (518) 725-8621 or visit their website.