Memory loss
Memory disorders (amnesia) after a stroke are also common symptoms. The type of memory disorder also depends on the severity and location of the stroke. In some cases, the retrieval of already stored knowledge (from the past) is difficult (retrograde amnesia) or even impossible, in other cases, the storage of new information is less good or even impossible (anterograde amnesia). Similarly, only factual knowledge (semantic memory) or knowledge about personal experiences/details (episodic memory) can be affected. In some cases, however, affected persons suffer “only” from attention deficit disorder after a stroke, which is not the same as a memory disorder, but may appear similar in many cases.
Swindle
A sudden dizziness can also be a symptom of a stroke.This can lead to both rotational vertigo and swaying vertigo: with rotational vertigo, the person affected feels as if he or she were on a merry-go-round; swaying vertigo is similar to the feeling of being on a ship. The dizziness can be accompanied by a feeling of insecurity in walking, which can also lead to a fear of falling. Dizziness is most likely to occur when the posterior brain region and the cerebellum are affected by the stroke.
Swallowing disorders
The act of swallowing is controlled by different centers in the brain. If a stroke damages one or more of these areas, swallowing disorders can occur. If this is the case, the normal act of swallowing can no longer be well coordinated, which leads to increased swallowing.
Swallowing means that saliva, liquid or solid food is not transported into the oesophagus and further into the stomach as usual, but instead is mistakenly transported into the windpipe. This is also called aspiration. In the worst case, this can lead to pneumonia (aspiration pneumonia).
Incontinence
Controlling urination is also one of the brain‘s tasks – this includes not only urine storage but also urination. If a stroke occurs and the corresponding area of the brain is damaged, there is sometimes also a loss of bladder control: this can manifest itself in an overactive bladder with the urge to urinate frequently, a retention of urine or an unintentional loss of urine (incontinence). This can be aggravated by other symptoms such as gait/movement disorders, paralysis or sensory disturbances.
