Singapore National Stroke Association HOME Page

Stroke (known medically as CVA, or Cerebrovascular Accident) is a disease that affects the blood vessels (arteries) supplying blood to the brain. It damages the brain because of the impaired blood supply and causes a sudden non-convulsive malfunction of the brain. Unless this supply of blood is restored, that part of the brain will die, causing permanent brain injury.
Stroke can affect a person's body, mind and emotion. The effect is often devastating because dead brain cells cannot be replaced.

If the right side of the brain is damaged it may result in :
Paralysis or weakness on the left of the body, slurred speech. Loss of spatial/perceptual abilities such as ability to judge the size and distance of object.
Loss of vision on left side.

If the brain injury is on the left side, the patient may exhibit the following :
Paralysis or weakness on the right side of the body, slurred speech. Problems with speech and language.
Loss of vision on right side.

If the brain injury is on the back part of the brain (brain stem), the patient may exhibit :

Double vision.
Damage to the cerebellum would result in poor co-ordination and balance.