A stroke is a medical emergency that happens when blood flow to part of the brain is stopped, and the supply of oxygen cannot reach that region, causing permanent damage. It may result from a blood clot, high blood pressure in an artery, or some physical injury. The following are five health conditions that can arise after suffering a stroke.

1. Falls

After having a stroke, you may feel weak or have trouble moving. This can make it difficult to get around and may lead to falls. Falls are the second leading cause of death among stroke survivors. It turns out that while older adults, in general, are much more at risk for falls than younger people, that becomes even more true for those who’ve had a stroke. This is because of the combination of physical and mental changes that happen after a stroke.

To prevent falls and regain balance, an AFO brace for foot drop can be used to provide support. AFOs can also be equipped to provide motion of the toes and so help prevent foot drop. This is similar to the feeling you get in your arms when you stretch, but the effect is applied to your foot.

2. Depression

A stroke can also cause depression. Some people who’ve had a stroke have symptoms of depression before the stroke happens. After having a stroke, you may feel angry or anxious and have trouble thinking clearly. You may also have trouble with your memory or feel sad and alone. These are all symptoms of depression, so it’s important to talk about them with your doctor and find the right treatment for you.

Depression can be treated with SSRI medications and counseling. These are drugs that work by influencing the way serotonin is released in the brain. They can make you feel better and more relaxed, so you’ll be able to cope with your feelings. Counseling can help teach you how to cope with feelings you may have after a stroke.

3. Heart Problems

After having a stroke, you may develop heart problems. This is called hypertension after a stroke, and it’s due to damage to part of the brain. Strokes can also cause small blood clots to form in your arteries, increasing pressure in your heart. This is called arterial hypertension; it’s usually benign but can become more serious with time, so you should work with your doctor to treat it.

Some heart problems you may experience after a stroke are a faster heart rate, a more forceful heartbeat, and swelling of the tissues around your heart. Your doctor will be able to examine you and diagnose these conditions. They can then create a treatment plan to help you reduce your risk of further problems.

4. Seizures

If you’ve had a stroke, you may be more likely to have seizures. This is because the brain cells that control movement are damaged after a stroke and can no longer slow down or stop your brain’s activity. So seizures can happen at any time, even while you’re asleep.

A seizure isn’t necessarily dangerous, but it can cause an unpleasant experience for you and those around you. Recognizing a seizure is important before it shakes your head or makes your body stiffen and jerk. Once you’re aware, you can try to stop or slow down the seizure before it causes damage to your body or brain.

5. Memory Loss

Not only do some people experience depression after having a stroke, but they may also have trouble remembering things and make mistakes in the future. This is due to neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to heal damaged parts of itself and learn new things. Researchers have found that it takes longer to regain memory after a stroke and brain damage.

What can you do to help your brain heal? Exercise is known to improve your brain’s ability for plasticity, so it may help you learn new things and remember things better. If you speak another language, practice it. Even if you don’t feel like it, practice will strengthen your connection with your existing memory.

In conclusion, the five conditions mentioned above are some of the most common after people suffer a stroke. The key is recognizing these conditions as early as possible and seeking treatment. It may be important for you to seek treatment immediately after the stroke. Always remember that it’s important to know the signs and symptoms of a stroke and what you should do if you think you are suffering or someone else because this will make it easier for you to take action.