Brain cells become damaged after just over four minutes without oxygen. Damaged and dying cells surround the stroke area and more cells may become damaged and die during the hours that follow.
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The body tries to restore oxygen supply to damaged cells by enlarging other arteries close to the stroke area. This is easier if a large artery has been blocked, but if the blockage occurred in a smaller artery of the brain, the body may not be able to restore oxygen supply to the affected area in time. If the blood supply to the damaged cells is not restored within four to six hours, brain cells will die.
The body parts that the damaged cells control will no longer be able to function. Depending on the location and extent of the damage, and the delay before the blood supply could be restored, the loss of function may be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.
A person’s recovery from a stroke also depends on these factors. The chances of regaining your abilities are best in the first few months after a stroke. Many people who have had a stroke have permanent neurological problems, such as hemiplegia (weakness on one side of the body), aphasia (difficulty with speaking or inability to speak) or incontinence (inability to control the bowel and bladder).
Approximately 50% of people who have suffered a stroke will have long-term problems with functions such as talking, understanding and making decisions. Some may also have behavioural problems. Such long-term effects of a stroke may be visible immediately after the stroke or only months or years afterwards.
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