carotid artery is 100% blocked

My mother is 79 years old and 280 pounds she has high blood pressure and is a diabetic.  She had a massive stroke 10 days ago on the right side of her brain. Her right carotid artery was tested and is 100% blocked while she lost control of her left side including the sight in her left eye, her current and pass memory are excellent.  I understand surgery is out of the question. She is still in the hospital and they have her blood sugar and blood pressure under control.  I am just seeking to simply understand with such massive problems, what expectation can I set for her life is it over optimistic to think she will make it next week, next month or next year.  She's a fighter surround daily by family and loving friends and her mind is very strong and positive.  My sisters and I have been in the hospital with her 24 -7 and while her CT scan shows the swelling in her brain going down each night she gets these terrible headaches. What could these headaches be associated with and last does the blocked artery cause pain in the neck.  Thanks in advance for any or all answers.  A really desperate daughter.

[della770]

Hi Dorothy,
I am sorry to hear abt. your Mom....same thing happened to my aunt and what you can do is make her as happy and comfortable and possible.....there however was a complication with my aunt which may be the case with your Mom and that was she
had an angiogram of the brain which shown many blood filled lesions letting off
little explosions that caused her severe headaches now I am not saying that is the
case with your Mom but with that severe a blockage it creates a good environment
for those things to develop.I hope that you and your family stay close and she
has had a good lifetime at 79 yrs I hope....Keep being optimistic and keep positive.
unfortunately the damage a stroke does appear more over time and just be prepared...
TAKE CARE and one day as it goes.

[Dr Sharma]

Hi there.  Carotid artery occlusive is a permanent but treatable condition. The most usual method of surgery, carotid endarterectomy aims to remove the plaque from the artery. Balloon angioplasty with the placement of a stent may be advised. If the carotid artery is, 100% blocked then it is unlikely that any thing could clear it since the risk of stroke is too high during or after surgery. Maximum efforts are taken to keep the opposite artery patent. It is possible to have a good quality of life with only one patent carotid artery. The body reroutes the blood via a complex network to the side of brain that would normally get blood via the blocked carotid. Consult a dietician to guide and chart a meal plan for your mother. Take care.