I had a stroke six years ago when I was 47. The stroke was highly unusual (caused apparently by a hole in my heart undiagnosed since birth and despite my having had 3 children), and 'only' affected the occipital lobe, leaving me partially sighted, i.e. I lost roughly half my visual field, everything left of centre, and what I do see is out of focus. No longer able to drive and be the active person I was, and deprived of my autonomy, I went into a severe depression. If it hadn't been for the internet I think I would have gone crazy, as for a long time it was my only connection to the 'real' world. To cut a long story short, it's meant drastic domestic/family upheaval. The neurologists said from the very start that no recovery was possible (which only fuelled my depression). Stem cell research may provide 'cures' or treatment, but probably not for quite some years.
As for changes to my personality, I was always very active, impulsive, extrovert, etc., but now there's such a barrier between me and the outside world, I often feel alienated, I feel much more passive, turned inwards. I've gone through the whole gamut of emotions, from shock and despair, to depression and thoughts of suicide, to acceptance. I can now say that I was lucky, and I have a lot to live for. I'm now active in a different way, very involved in a human rights NGO, etc., which helps my self esteem and is my own form of 'recovery'.
I hope this helps your research.
