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Stroke: Common Disabilities

Topic Overview

Stroke is the most common cause of disability resulting from damage to the nervous system. A stroke may affect:

  • Movement. You may not be able to use your arms or walk. This is usually because of weakness or paralysis on one side of the body (hemiparesis).
  • Speech and language. You may not be able to speak, read, or write. Also, you may not be able to understand what someone else is saying.
  • Thinking and reasoning. You may not be able to think clearly. The stroke may cause you to act differently than you did before the stroke.
  • Senses. You may not be able to feel when something or someone touches your affected body parts, such as the arms or legs. Your sight or hearing (rare) may be affected.

Related Information

Credits

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Richard D. Zorowitz, MD - Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Last Revised January 7, 2011

Last Revised: January 7, 2011

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & Richard D. Zorowitz, MD - Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

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