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Home > Wellness > Health Library > Stroke: Changes in Emotions
Emotional reactions after a
stroke may be different from normal emotional
People who have had a stroke—usually in the front part of the brain
or in the brain stem—can lose emotional control and may switch from crying to
laughing for no apparent reason.
Crying can also be a symptom of
depression, which is a medical condition that often gets better with treatment. Untreated depression can interfere with recovery. And it can have a
big impact on how much a person enjoys life.
People who have had a stroke may act differently because they feel
isolated and have vision problems. They may:
This is more likely to occur when someone has to stay in bed for long
periods of time. And it is more likely to be a problem at night. A radio
playing softly in the bedroom or a dim light beside the bed may be helpful
during the night.
If you notice that your loved one has a sudden change in emotion or mental state, it may be delirium. For delirium, the person may need medical care.
ByHealthwise StaffPrimary Medical ReviewerE. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal MedicineSpecialist Medical ReviewerRichard D. Zorowitz, MD - Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Current as ofSeptember 9, 2014
Current as of:
September 9, 2014
E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & Richard D. Zorowitz, MD - Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
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