Severe Itching

[Lynie]

I first posted this question in an other than "Stroke" forum.
My mother had a stroke two years ago and her right side is paralyzed.  She have made some good progress but there is still a ways to go.  Recently she is experiencing occurrences of severe itching, anywhere from her inner thigh on her paralyzed side to other areas on her body.  It comes and goes in spurts not lasting that long, but when it comes it is bad, causing her to scratch so hard she is subject to scratch a sore which we don't want to happen because she is a diabetic.  I have searched the internet trying to find some information but I think I'm not getting very far.  Preventive itch lotions and creams have been used but they have not stopped the problem and the doctor don't seem to know what the underlying problem may be.  What could the problem be?

[lahinva]

My dad also had a stroke 1 1/2 years ago and he also has severe itching.  We've tried everything and nothing seems to help.  He drives my mom crazy with wanting her to scratch his back all day.  If you find anything that works please let me know.  Sorry I wasn't of more help... But it's nice to know that others have this same problem.

[Lynie]

Thanks for responding, if we find something that helps or may be the cause, i will let you know.  

[rugby_girl]

hi there I had a stroke at the begining of november and I have times when i itch on my weak side.  i wondered or rather, hoped it was due to things repairing or it may be nueropathic in the same way i get pain in my left arm for no particular reason, would be interested if your post gets any definate answers

[jacksonbrown]

hi there, my mother had a minor stroke 2 year ago and now on plavics and 2 other drugs for blood thinners and water pills for blood pressure among some others like calcium , fossamax, pottassium and some vitamins. Since starting on these drugs she has developed a terrible itch on the same side her stoke has effected, no rashes no bumps, just a terrible itching sensation. She is 92, still lives alone, her choice, stable environment, no finanacial worrys, left side of her mouth has dropped a tiny bit, mind is sharp, handles her own affairs, walks every day to shop by herself yet her only complaint is terrible itching whenever shes on her own too much and at bedtime which then takes a sleeping pills too many. bathes regularly. itching is only on the stroke side like her thighs and torso. skin specialists have found nothing wrong. Sounds pychosamatic to me maybe to do with age and living alone too much, but i think stroke and drug related. Any thoughts welcome, Andrew

[sue_in_oz]

Hi

It could be drug reaction related (but usually would have some physical signs).  Equally it could be stroke related similar to nerve pain/central pain syndrome.  If this is the case, drugs used to treat nerve pain may help.  Please check it out with your mum's doctor.

HTH

Sue