Personality Changes After a Stroke

Personality Changes After a Stroke

by CBC Health Doctors
A stroke often leaves its mark and, as everyone knows, causes physical damage. But did you know that stroke can affect the personality as well? It is more common than you think and may explain why you or your loved one are acting unusual.

Rest assured that personality changes after a stroke are perfectly normal. It is important to not ignore these changes but to acknowledge them. If you are a stroke survivor, it may be hard to notice these changes yourself. Be sure to listen to your loved ones’ perspectives on your health and personality.

 

Type of Personality Changes After a Stroke

1. Depression

It is typical for stroke survivors to face depression. They may be feeling this way due to biological changes or situational changes. They may have anxiety about their health or feel disempowered by their lack of body control. It is important to seek professional attention for depression as soon as possible. Look for feelings of sadness or hopelessness in the stroke survivor. Remind them that treatment is available and can help them get better.

 

2. Emotional Instability

After a stroke, some patients find they cannot control their emotions. They may experience waves of uncontrollable laughter or crying for no reason. Treatment for this personality change includes medication and cognitive therapy.
 

 

3. Social Avoidance

Sometimes social avoidance goes hand-in-hand with depression. The patient may try to isolate themselves if they are unable to participate in their usual joyful activities. Loved ones can help their survivor by making them feel more included in new social activities.

 

4. Changes in Cognitive Skills

Cognition has to do with the way a person thinks. Cognition is commonly affected after a stroke and can lead to a variety of personality changes. A sense of humor, for example, is dependent on cognition. One must be able to think quick on their feet to understand and make jokes.

Other cognition changes may include trouble with written and spoken language or being forgetful of tasks or names.

Having a mutual understanding for each other’s situation
Personality changes can be difficult for everybody to deal with. As a survivor, start by understanding that you are not alone. Having a sense of uneasiness about what lay ahead is perfectly normal.

For loved ones, it is important to let your survivor know you are there for them. Understand that they are not acting this way on purpose. This attitude can help to make relationships more uncomplicated and to learn a new way of dealing with each other.

 

If you or a loved one have suffered from a stroke, please call +1 855 426 4623 to learn more about CBC Health’s stroke treatment.
 

 

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