Decrease in movement on left side on day following inital stroke
My grandmother just had a stroke yesterday. Initally she had weakness on her left side, and difficulty moving her left arm and leg. Today, her arm and leg seem to be paralysed. Is there an explaination for this? Does it indicate that a second stroke likely occured, or does it affect her prognosis at all?
Hello k,
I am sorry to hear about your grandmother's stroke.
From what you have told me, it's not possible to definitely say what is the cause of her increasing symptoms, but I can guess .
When people have a stroke, blood flow is interrupted to the brain. If blood flow is not restored quickly, the part of the brain that does not recieve oxygen dies. This death of brain cells is what causes stroke symptoms.
In addition to the cells that die, the surrounding cells, which have less than normal blood flow, are deprived of some oxygen. If blood flow is restored in a timely manner, these cells can live, but if not, they die also. This area of brain tissue, which surrounds the dead cells, has reduced blood flow, but can be salvaged is called the "ischemic penumbra".
The addional symptoms your grandmother is experiencing today are likely a progression of the stroke she already suffered; it is possible, too, that she is suffering another stroke.
With physical rehab and medicines to prevent additional strokes, patients can regain significant amounts of function. I wish your grandmother all the best luck on her journey to recovery.
To your health,
Neil MD
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