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Stroke and Brain


A stroke occurs when cells are starved of blood either by a blockage or leak in a blood vessel in the brain.

No two strokes are alike because stroke outcomes depend on where in the brain it happens and how many cells are involved.

This page shows the links between the area of the brain where a stroke has ocurred and the function of that part of the brain.

Below you will find a very brief description of the structure of the brain and a diagram of the parts of the brain. When you click on a name or brain area you will be able to see a description of the functions of that part of the brain, and associated stroke types.

There is an excellent BBC 'Human Brain Map' which enables you to pick areas of the brain and its function, and vice versa. Click here.


"Brain Functions and Map"
Adapted from the work of: Robert P. Lehr Jr., Ph.D.
Professor Emeritus, Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine,
Southern Illinois University
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The brain has many parts including the Frontal, Parietal, Occipital and Temporal Lobes, Brain Stem, and Cerebellum.

("The Cerebrum is the largest part of the brain. It sits on top of the rest of the brain rather like a mushroom cap covering it's stalk. The heavily folded surface of the Cerebrum is known as the Cerebral Cortex. Some of the grooves on the surface mark out different functional lobes - the Frontal, Parietal, Occipital and Temporal Lobes" - see also BBC 'Human Brain Map', click here.")


Below you will find a diagram showing these six areas of the brain. When you click on a name or brain area you will see that part's function, the symptoms associated with that area after brain damage, and the associated Stroke Types or Names (where possible). Please Note: This not a comprehensive or definitive list.

It is important to understand that the brain functions 'as a whole' by interrelating its component parts. The injury (stroke) may only disrupt a particular step of an activity that occurs in a specific part of the brain. The interruption of that activity at any particular step, or out of sequence, can lead to problems elsewhere.


Please note that this section is here for your guidance only. It is here as a general guide to help you 'fill in the picture' and is not intended to challenge the expert knowledge of a Consultant or other professional.

Thank you.



Brain Functions and Map

The diagram shows the right hemisphere of the brain with names of its parts.
The left hemisphere is made up of the same parts though detailed functions differ.
Click on a name to see it's location, functions and associated Stroke Types.

Parietal Lobe Frontal Lobe Occipital Lobe Cerebellum Brain Stem Temporal Lobe Brain Map

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