A stroke can be caused by a number of factors; old age is one, because many elderly patients live with clogged arteries. Strokes are frightening, especially for those who have had one. They rob you of many of the physical abilities needed to perform activities that are required in everyday living. The chemicals of the brain are affected, leaving a patient with physical and mental handicaps. Although there is therapy for stroke patients, most people never recuperate fully after having one.
What Is a Stroke?
A stroke occurs when the blood flow to the brain is cut off and a certain part of the brain is affected. If blood cannot reach the brain by way of the arteries, oxygen is lost to the brain, and that part of the brain dies or becomes damaged. The heart pumps the blood through blood vessels. Sometimes, plaque buildup in a vessel can prevent the blood from reaching the brain, and when this happens, the part of the brain that the blood is supposed to flow to strokes. Whatever tasks that area of the brain was responsible for will be affected. It could be speech, movement, or a number of other functions.
Can Strokes Cause Chemical Imbalances in the Brain?
Because the blood supply to the brain is lost with a stroke, the level of normal chemicals that nourish the brain is lowered, and so is their ability to help the brain continue to function properly. Also, since chemicals are also transmitted through the blood supply, if the blood supply is cut off, the brain will not receive them. However, the majority of these chemicals are produced directly in the brain, so if the brain is damaged, the chemicals can no longer be produced.
Identifying Chemical Imbalances Due to a Stroke
Identifying chemical imbalances can sometimes be done via blood work. However, most signs of certain chemical imbalances can be found by observing the patient and finding defects in his personality, and even tasks that he may no longer may be able to perform. Speech defects are among the most prevalent impairments after a stroke. Medical professionals will watch for reasoning issues; learning deficits; impaired muscle function, mood and perception of pain; and loss of appetite.
Chemicals Affected Due to a Stroke
One of the main chemicals affected by a stroke is dopamine. Dopamine is a very important chemical responsible for many functions, such as sexual arousal; assertiveness; immune and autonomic nervous-system function; and motivation. Serotonin is another, as well as nor-epinephrine, epinephrine, dopamine, histamine, and Acetylcholine. Other chemicals affected are Glutamate and Gamma-aminobutyric acid. Each chemical has its own function and purpose. They are all essential chemicals that help to make us who we are and our brains work properly.
Theories on Chemical Imbalances Due to a Stroke
Because many of these chemicals are produced in the brain, there is no reproducing them. Once the area of the is responsible for producing that particular chemical is damaged, the chemical is usually gone for good. Many times, patients who have had strokes simply have to relearn the details of proper functioning through physical therapy. The patient will be unable to reproduce the chemicals needed to complete these functions, so many times, physical therapy and occupational therapy are needed to relearn the functions.
Can Chemical Imbalances Be Corrected After a Stroke?
Unfortunately, the chemical imbalances that are caused by a stroke cannot be corrected. There are no medications to take to correct the problem or reverse it. Physical and occupational therapy are basically the only option for stroke patients. There are no medications to take to replace the lost chemicals, but there is therapy to help the patient relearn certain functions and regain certain abilities. Unfortunately, synthetic brain chemicals that could help stroke patients replace what they lost in terms of brain function have not yet been created.
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