stroke victim is becoming violent

[lenb12]

Hi :

A family member that a friend of mine is caring for became violent the other day. No one was hurt, but the stroke victim got up out of his chair and came charging at my friend and basically started swinging. My friend just ran away. There was no provocation on my friend's part. What does this mean ? Will the violent outbursts continue ? And could the next outcome of such an outburst be fatal ?

Len

[caregiver222]

This is common, and though often frightening, the swinging on the part of the patient is often harmless flailing. Hallucinations are common when blood sugar levels fall out of limits and this in itself could be the cause. An MRI will rule out a tumor. Probably the first thing the doctors will do is prescribe an anti-psychotic, which will destroy chances at rehabilitation and evaluation of brain function. Approach a stroke patient very carefully. Many stroke victims will become very frightened very easily. You don't know what was going through the stroke patient's mind. People who have been known for years can become total strangers, and have to reintroduce themselves, hoping to trigger memory. Sometimes this happens, sometimes it does not. The first thing I would do is to monitor blood sugar levels. Before prescribing an anti-psychotic. The fact that the patient could move walk and swing is actually encouraging. Be cautious in awakening a stroke patient, because they may be in the middle of a dream. You become part of the dream. If medical intervention is deemed adviseable, ask the physician to prescribe valium alone for starters. Don't permit them to start on haldol.

[jd_in_georgia]

My father is exhibiting similar behavior since having a stroke.  However, since he has a heart condition, his doctor was hesitant to prescribe more than a one time prescription of Zanex.  Since I live out of state, my mother and sister are the caregivers for him and they are at their wits end since he is so unpredictable and nothing in particular can set him off into a screaming and swinging rage.  Are there any other other things that can be done, other than valium or tranquilizers?

[caregiver222]

I would not worry about a valium prescription. Valium had a bad reputation and is now considered a "dangerous" drug, but thirty years ago you could obtain it in a hospital easily. It is a very good drug with no serious side effects. Valium 5 mg provided with grapefruit juice would be my first choice. The valium will have no effect on his heart condition.