A month since stroke a still no improvements

[kg3]

Hi, my grandmother (82 year old) had an ischemic stroke over a month ago and there hasn't been any major improvements except from her opening her eyes from time to time but I don't think she sees us. The Dr said it was a massive stroke which affected her left hemisphere. She does however squeeze our hands from time to time.

We're unfortunately fearing the worst but taking her age in consideration, what are the chances of 82 year olds making recovery's? ie be able to speak, hear, see and eat


Thanks for your help.

[DrNavneetMD]

Hello Dear,
Disability affects 75% of stroke survivors. Some of the physical disabilities that can result from stroke include paralysis, numbness,  inability to perform movements, difficulties carrying out daily activities, appetite loss, speech loss vision loss, and pain.With good rehabilitation  patients have been known to continue to improve for years, Successful rehabilitation depends on how early rehabilitation begins, the extent of the stroke, the survivor's attitude, the rehabilitation team's skill, the cooperation of family and friends.
For some stroke survivors, rehabilitation is an ongoing process to maintain and refine skills and could involve working with specialists for months or years after the stroke.As such  the time , to get back to normal activities cannot be predicted.
You should give her more attention and care as patients get depressed and psychologically disturbed after  a stroke attack.Wish her a speedy recovery. so be hopeful and all the best.
Best

[kg3]

Thank you very much for your reply. We haven't been able to begin the rehabilitation process because she is still not aware - at all! She does not respond to things we tell her to do hence we have been unable to begin rehabilitating her. She only opens her eyes for short periods of time then goes back to sleep.

I understand that a stroke differs from person to person but is it 'normal' for a person to be unconscious for such a long period of time (ie. months) after having a stroke?

[DrNavneetMD]

Hello dear,
The duration of unconsciousness depends on the type of stroke,the area affected,the intensity of damage ,the treatment given and the response to the treatment.It might take some time in elderly patients to recover.
Best

[Grenada12]

I think the medicines they are giving my mother is the reason she is sleeping all the time.  She gets Heparin shots every day and 2 high blood pressure medicines as well as other medicines.  She is never      awake enough for rehab and she has dyspagia.  Some one please reply.  I need help I feel as if I'm going crazy.

[sue_in_oz]

Hi

Sorry to hear about your mum's stroke :(

You don't say what other medications your mum is on.  I'm a srokee (not a doctor) & I haven't heard or experienced tiredness due to heparin (was on it) or blood pressure meds (still on them).  Please don't under estimate the fatigue that stroke itself causes.  It is like nothing you have ever experienced & I hope you never will.  By all means check with her doctors regarding her medications but don't be surprised if it isn't them.  It does get better with time & learning to pace yourself.

HTH

Sue

[heavenlyitems]

WOW...It is true that some stroke victims do not improve.  It is the leading cause of disability.

Prayers she gets better and for your family