What medication is given after a stroke ?

[ValR]

My mother suffered a hemorrhagic stroke a week ago, and as far as I know the only medication she is receiving is something to lower her blood pressure, and some antibiotic to treat a high temperature. People have told me that steroids are often used to help reduce swelling on the brain.

Im not very clued-in on medical matters - should I ask the doctor if she should be on these ? Also, should further CT scans be done on a regular basis to keep track of the damage ? Should I follow up on anything else with the doctor ?

Any help appreciated.

[ValR]

Thanks mate - appreciate the advice. Am meeting with the doctor later and hopefully will get somewhere.

Cheers.

[oc1dean]

There is really very little doctors can do for stroke survivors. Mainly what they are waiting for on bleeds is for the blood to be reabsorbed. That damaged asrea is called the penumbra and most times can recover fairly well. This is what is usually called the 6-12 month spontaneous recovery. It still is a lot of work for the survivor because they need to work on movement/sensation/memory to encourage those brain cells to work again and recruit new ones to help with controlling those functions. I don't know about the CT scan and 3d. If they couldn't say what damage was done based on CT results, that is complete laziness on their part. They could at least look at the motor and sensory homunculuses and give an estimate as to what has been affected. They don't think knowledge about what has been damaged will help in the recovery. For your part  you should read Stronger After Stroke by Peter Levine and you will know more that whomever you are talking to now. Sorry about the negative tone but it proves once again the breakfast story about bacon and eggs. The chicken is involved but the pig is committed. In this case the survivor is committed but the medical staff is involved. Who do you think should control the rehab? You need to keep after the medical team because they are trying to get by without learning about stroke recovery, except what they were taught in medical school.
Dean

[ValR]

thanks for the comments folks.

oc1dean: all that was done was a CT scan - would this give a 3D map of damage/functions ?

I already asked if they could assess what damage might have been done on the basis of the CT results and was told they couldnt say. They also said that damage can occur after the stroke due to the bleed affecting the surrounding area of the brain.

My main worry is that, while her condition is being monitored, to an extent she is being left "to see what happens" while there may be something more that could be done to help. I had a previous experience with this hospital which I wont go into now, but I have grave concerns that not enough is being done. I just dont know what questions to ask.

[oc1dean]

If you want to have an interesting discussion with the doctor Ask him/her for a three dimensional map of the damage and what functions they controlled. Once the stroke is over damage does not progress, it may seem that way as additional deficits are noticed as the survivors try to do something new.

[maureenannf]

Hi,
By all means, you need to asks the Drs. whatever questions you have.  Good luck to your mother and your family.
God Bless.
Maureen