Stroke Strokes may be caused from embolisms, thrombotic plaques, arteriosclerotic changes to arteries supplying the brain, or hemorrhage in the brain.
Presentation is diverse, depending on the location of the lesion.
Immediately following stroke clients with motor involvement generally have low tone. Extremities are heavy, flaccid, and demonstrate decreased deep tendon reflexes and lack of voluntary motor control. Most patients assume a slumped posture in sitting with weight bearing just behind the ischial tuberosities. Lateral flexion of the trunk generally occurs to the involved side. Thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis occur with accompanying stretch weakness to the back extensors and shortening to the rectus abdominals.