Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Practice

Which manifestation is NOT commonly associated with a stroke?

1. Weakness in an extremity

2. Visual defects

3. Loss of appetite

4. Cognitive losses

The correct answer is: Loss of appetite

The correct answer is the loss of appetite, as it is not a direct or commonly recognized manifestation of a stroke. Strokes primarily affect the brain's functionality, leading to various neurological symptoms based on the area of the brain that is affected. Weakness in an extremity is a classic symptom of a stroke, typically occurring on one side of the body due to damage in the opposite hemisphere of the brain that controls motor functions. Visual defects can arise if the stroke impacts areas in the brain responsible for visual processing, potentially leading to issues such as double vision or loss of visual fields. Cognitive losses, such as difficulties with memory, attention, and problem-solving, are also frequently reported after a stroke, indicating how cognitive function can be impaired due to brain damage. In contrast, a loss of appetite is not as directly related to the neurological impacts of a stroke and may arise from a variety of other health conditions, making it less specific to stroke patients.