Exercises to improve mental functions are often helpful. Complications caused by the stroke itself include confusion, incontinence, depression, speech difficulties and memory problems. Neurologic upsets such as increased muscle tone, contractures or shortening of muscles, and shoulder damage can occur. Vascular disease in other organs may cause heart failure, heart attacks, and leg vein clots. Pneumonia may also occur.
Recovery involves overcoming a clumsiness of body and a protest from the mind.
Patient's and their family's attitude toward disability is as important as the paralysis present. Stroke has an acute beginning and a chronic end. The functions of the brain recover over weeks or months. Major improvements occur over the first six weeks. Further recovery after six months does occur but progress is slow.