Two Long-Term Effects of a Stroke You Need to Know About

Physical Impairments: A Life That’s Never the Same Again

Well, let’s start with something that’s pretty hard to ignore. After a stroke, physical impairments are one of the most common long-term effects. I remember a conversation with my friend Jake, whose dad had a stroke a few years ago. He told me how his dad’s mobility was seriously affected, especially on one side of his body. It wasn’t just a little limp – it was life-changing. And that’s exactly what can happen after a stroke.

A stroke can cause hemiparesis – weakness on one side of the body – or even paralysis. For many, this can be a permanent condition, and it severely impacts everyday activities like walking, dressing, or even holding a cup of coffee.

Relearning Basic Skills

Jake’s dad had to go through months of physical therapy to learn how to do basic things again. It’s a slow, frustrating process, and some people might never fully regain their former abilities. The brain sometimes has trouble rerouting signals, and this is a harsh reality many stroke survivors face. The road to recovery is long, and it’s not a straight path. There are moments of hope and moments of setback, which can be emotionally exhausting.

Cognitive Decline: A Hidden Battle

Honestly, I think cognitive effects are sometimes overlooked when people talk about stroke recovery. Sure, you see the physical changes – the limp, the inability to raise an arm – but the mental battle is just as significant. And it can creep up on you.

After my neighbor, Linda, had her stroke, her memory started fading. At first, it was just little things: forgetting where she left her keys or what she had for lunch. But soon, it became more concerning. She struggled with decision-making, processing information, and staying focused. It was like watching someone slip away, little by little. Cognitive decline can occur after a stroke, and for some people, it can be long-lasting or even permanent.

Memory Loss and Difficulty with Communication

I was shocked when Linda couldn’t remember some of the names of her closest friends. It wasn’t her fault, but it still stung. Stroke survivors often experience a decline in memory, especially short-term memory. They can also struggle with communication. Aphasia – difficulty speaking or understanding speech – is another possible long-term effect. Some survivors find it incredibly frustrating because their minds are still sharp, but their ability to communicate is impaired.

Emotional and Psychological Effects: A Silent Struggle

Okay, now we’re really digging into the emotional side of things. Honestly, I’ve always believed that mental health isn’t talked about enough in stroke recovery. Everyone talks about regaining physical strength, but emotional healing is just as important.

After Jake’s dad had his stroke, I saw him go through some tough mental battles. He was a completely different person at first – frustrated, depressed, angry. It was hard to watch, but it was also understandable. Being stuck in a body that no longer works the way it used to can make anyone feel isolated. Anxiety, depression, and even PTSD can be long-term effects of a stroke. The fear of another stroke is real, and for many survivors, it’s a constant mental burden.

Social Isolation and Mood Changes

I remember how hard it was for Jake’s dad to be social again. He withdrew, mostly because he felt embarrassed or frustrated by his new limitations. Social isolation can worsen the psychological effects of a stroke. Survivors might feel embarrassed about their physical limitations or even their speech. It’s tough, because the person you were is not the person you are now, and that’s a massive psychological adjustment.

Moving Forward: Recovery Is Different for Everyone

Actually, here's the thing: stroke recovery is a highly individual process. Some people bounce back quicker than others. But it’s not all about the end goal – it’s about progress, however small. Whether it's getting back the ability to tie your shoes or remembering where you parked your car, every step forward counts. I think that’s the part that people don’t always get – there’s no “finish line” when it comes to stroke recovery.

It can be hard, frustrating, and downright exhausting. But there are also incredible moments of triumph. I think it’s important to remind yourself that recovery isn’t just about getting back to where you were before the stroke. It’s about adapting, changing, and finding a new version of yourself.

So, if you or someone you know is dealing with the long-term effects of a stroke, remember, it’s a journey. There are ups and downs, good days and bad. But with the right support, there’s always hope for improvement.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.