Stroke and hallucinations

[Granny Smith]

My husband had a stroke three years ago. He seems to think things that have not happened and presents them as fact.Is this associated with the condition?

[joesi]

More information might be helpful.  How old is he now? What type of stroke was it? What was his general health pre-stroke?, post stroke? And the big question is, have you asked his doctor about this and what did he say? There could be so many possibilities for his actions.

[Granny Smith]

First of all thank you joesi... for asking those questions that I didn't think about.My husband's age is now close to 72, I don't exactly understand the type of stroke, but it effected the left side. The blocked artery was a small, inoperable one at the base of the brain..treatment was warfarin, cholesterol control, blood pressure tablets, and more recently, tablets for type 2 diabetes.We attend... Dr. physiotherapy and hydrotherapy regularly.He is no longer allowed to drive a motor vehicle.He operates an electric scooter for getting about. We have a wheelchair ( able to be dismantled and stowed in the car)for trips out of town.
Prior to the stroke he was a smoker, drinker, big lover of fatty meats. He was not inclined to much physical exercise..loved boating and fishing and camping ....despite all this he was not obviously over weight. Now, because of limited mobility, he is quite a lot heavier which ,of course, does not help things.
In his mind he seems to  think he can do things that he has always done. In reality,(physically) he cannot....or only to a very limited extent.
Recently, as previously stated, he seems to be thinking of things that he assumes are factual...i.e.have actually happened or been discussed and agreed to...whereas, in reality, they have either not been discussed, nor agreed to...or in some cases,(i.e incidents)never  happened.
As you can imagine, I find this all somewhat distressing.I am not certain whether it is the effects of the stroke(s) or ageing (aging) or medication or what!
I must say his long term memory is quite accurate...short term memory is pretty dreadful.

[joesi]

What has his doctor said about your concerns?

[Granny Smith]

I haven't actually spoken to his doctor on my own. I am always there with my husband and I don't want to distress him (my husband)by speaking about these  concernsin his presence.
I should probably make an appointment to speak with the doctor privately.
I have spoken with another experienced health worker who seems to think that the mind is active and energetically doing the things that in practise is not possible.

[georgie312]

My husband suffered a severe brain bleed on the right side and left the left side paralized.  He is 73 and in rehab, soon to be coming home.  My question is about hallucinations.  He sees birds, dead rabbits, the rope design in the carpet that he thinks is being pulled by someone etc.  Is this something that goes along with a stroke or should I be concerned that something else is going on?  They prescribed medicine for him but due to the side effects he will not take it.  Any help would help.  Thanks.  Georgie

[lindalee42]

My husband had a large non cancer brain tumor removed in december 2007...6 days later he had a massive stroke..he is paralyzed on his left side (tumor was on right side) 4 months later he had to have a shunt put in from his head to his stomach to drain spinal fluid that kept building up and making his head swell..He sees things that are not there..he is angry (mostly at me) and gets real mad when we try to tell him that the dream he had..or hallucination is not real . So now we just agree with him...he is starting to have kidney failure now too. Seems like each day he gets worst than the day before with the anger. He is in the hospital right now...but i am so confused..this is a man who adored me and now hates me. How do i help him not to be so angry and what is the best way to deal with the hallucinations?,,,do i just agree with him or tell him the way it is. He is in palliative care now. I just want his time left to be happy, not angry and upset.   Thanks  Lin