Life expectancy

[shnnlrd]

My mom suffered a stroke last week.  She is 55 years old.  This came on so suddenly.  Her right carotid artery is 100% occluded and she suffered a right MCA territory stroke affecting the basil gangila and parietal lobe. She has paralysis on her left side, mainly her left leg, and severe weakness in her left shoulder.  Surgery was not recommended and not even discussed as the right carotid is 100% occluded.  

She is very scared and just wants to know what her chances are of this happening again and what her estimated life expectancy is.  She does smoke and her cholesterol is 201, but those are her only risk factors.  Other than that, she is very active and healthy.  

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

[shazlan]

I am 45 and have suffered a similar episode, she needs to stop smoking immediately and lower her cholestrol through correct nutrition, this is what I have done and it should lessen the possibility of another episode

[gingercate]

My mother suffered a severe stroke after a heart catherization.  She is totally parlyzed on the left side.  She is now 87 years old and has been in the nursing home.  She suffered from her stroke in May 2007.  What is the life expectancy.