post anuerysm speech problems

my 33 year old niece had an aneurysm in  february 09. after her surgery she is not able to move from neck down and also not able to eat or talk. is there something out there we don't no about for her to do. some sort of surgery? something? anything? please let me know... i came across a website a few months ago about speech surgery but i can seem to find it any longer..... please help!


This discussion is related to Cerebral Anuerysm post surgery side affect - taste loss.

[Dr. A. Srivastava]

Hi, Thank you very much for your question. Common symptoms of aneurysm could be loss of vision, headache, eye and neck pain, seizures, paralysis, gait disturbances etc. Investigations like CT angiography, MRI, CSF examination (presence of blood) are essential to reach at diagnosis here. Neurosurgery is the mainstay of treatment that may be suggested by a neurologist after examination. Hope this information proves helpful to you.

[caregiver222]

You asked a very good question.

Clearly there has been destruction of some brain tissue.

But the brain has redundancy, and it has been discovered new brain cells are created after an injury, contrary to former beliefs.

These cells have to be stimulated.

Whether or not there is recovery, and the degree thereoff is up to the life-force.

That being said, the key to rehabilitation is TLC (tender loving care) and stimulation to attempt to train other parts of the brain to take over what has been damaged.

Protocols to accomplish this are controversial. They include stimulation of the esophagus with foods that contain capsaicin, gentle stroking of the limbs and flexure of them several times a day, constant touch and encouragement, and the use of musical and visual stimulation. It is essential to ensure the patient does not give up hope or lose the will to live. That is more important than anything.

Speech surgery is probably not the answer. Rewarding the patient for small efforts by a hand squeeze or a praise is a step in a better direction.

Recovery takes time.

I took care of a 99 year old stroke patient (she's now 105, incredibly, and doing fine) and it took a full year for her to regain the power of speech.

Don't give up!