Muscle weakness or loss of movement

About 8 out of every 10 people who have had a stroke will have some level of muscle weakness, usually in one side of the body. This ranges from a very mild weakness in an arm or leg to more severe weakness that means they are not able to move one or more limbs at all (paralysis).

One-sided muscle weakness or paralysis can cause:

• Loss of balance
• Difficulty walking
• Difficulty picking things up
• Muscle tiredness
• Poor co-ordination

It is possible for your movement and balance to get better. Many people see improvements in the first few weeks and months.