Basal Ganglia Stroke

[szu]

My dad went in to have a brain anersym coil procedure done and the surgeon knicked an artery and he had a brain hemmorage.  All the doctors told us that there was a good chance for recovery and a good quality of life, if would just take time (at the time they didn't see any permanent brain damage). After 3 weeks in the ICU the brain swelling began to go down and the blood was absorbed the doctors saw that my dad did suffer a stroke in the basal ganglia.  If is going 5 weeks now and he still is unresponsive.  He opens his eyes some and will squeeze our hand.  He can move his right side with some purpose (scratch is head, bite his nails, rub his nose, etc.)  He is on a feeding tube and has oxygen.  He is off the ventilator but has a trac.  I feel hopeless and helpless.  My mom thinks he is eventually coming home with a decent quality of life.  I don't want to have false hope. Any experience or advice would be so appreciated?

[vega1318]

Dear szu, it is very difficult to say for sure but in these cases this type of outcome is not unheart of.   There are many many variables, such as the exact location of the stroke, the amount of damage to other areas, and his exact neurological condition currently.   It is not something one should advise you over the internet.   But I advise that you speak to a neurologist and ask him/her for a straight answer about your dad's chances for meaningful recovery.   Again, "meaningful" is different to different people.   At this time, your only option may remain to wait.   However...   if things get worse - unfortunately, your father is now at risk for pneumonia and other problems associated with being bedbound - you have to be ready to make some decisions about his future care and the aggressiveness of such.    Your doctors should direct you.

I am sorry I can't give you a better answer...    But 5 weeks is a long time...  and unless he's been battling bad infections or was under sedation for a long time, it is hard to imagine him getting up and walking out on his own and talking again...   these deep infarctions (strokes) sometimes disconnect our whole body from our minds and prevent us from being "us" again...  

I hope this helps somewhat.

[szu]

Do you mean that it seems that he will not be able to care for himself independently ever?  Also, do you mean that it seems that he may never be able to interact with us?  This is the type of information that is needed to help my family carry out the wishes of my father.  

Thank you so much for taking the time read my case, your input is greatly appreciated.

[vega1318]

Sorry to hear about your dad.  It is always devastating to bring in a healthy loved one for a routine (though risky) procedure and then have this happen.   It sounds like your father has a right basal ganglia stroke.    Many patients with this type of stroke are awake yet choose not to open their eyes much -- they have, what is called, neglect.   They don't "care" about their surroundings and have little interest in the outside world which is why they keep their eyes closed.   He should be able to communicate somewhat if prompted enough but may not be able to eat, at least for now.   His left side may be very affected.  

MOst stroke recovery occurs in the first 3 months after injury.   Of course, the better he recovers in the beginning, the better his prognosis is but it is not too late yet.   Some recovery still continues after 3 months.   If he remains out of trouble (i.e., no infections, or other complications), you should be able to see how he improves over the next few weeks.   5 weeks is, unfortunately, a very long time and at this time, it probably means that, he will likely not be able to care for himself independently.   Whether he will be awake enough to interact with you is still in question and you should not give up hope.  

Have realistic understanding of what type of care is required for him right now and be there for him no matter what.   Also, know what his wishes would have been in this situation, until such time that he could maybe express them himself.

Good luck!!!