Every stroke is different. Each person affected by stroke will have different problems and different needs. The way in which you might be affected depends on where in the brain the stroke happens and how big the stroke is.

A stroke on the right side of the brain generally causes problems on the left side of the body. A stroke on the left side of the brain causes problems on the right side of the body and with communication. Some strokes happen at the base of the brain and can cause problems with eating, breathing and moving.

Problems you might have after a stroke

After a stroke, you might have problems doing some of the things you did before.
This might include:

• Weakness or lack of movement in your leg and/or arm (paralysis)
• Trouble swallowing
• Changes to the way you see things (perceptual or visual problems)
• Changes to the way you feel things eg. touch (sensory problems)
• Problems thinking or remembering (cognitive problems)
• Trouble speaking, understanding, reading or writing
• Incontinence
• Shoulder pain or arm pain/stiffness
• Feeling worried or sad
• Problems controlling your feelings
• Problems with your sexuality

The problems that you have after your stroke will vary. They will depend on which part of the brain was affected by stroke and on how big the stroke was. Different therapists will work with you as you recover depending on what problems you are having.