Stroke Questions

 

Is confused language a side effect of a stroke and can it be restored?

The left side of your brain is the area that controls language; the ability to understand and speak. A stroke can affect these areas and result in a language impairment called aphasia. This can be very frustrating for your dad and family if you all are unable to communicate basic needs... 


What can be done to help dad walk again?

Hello, It sounds like your father was being treated for cellulitis which can sometimes be resistant to antibiotics, dependent upon the type of infection that is present. Most concerning from your description is the fact that his leg is getting worse with increased redness and swelling and pain...

 

s random itching a common thing after stroke?

Hello, I can only imagine how difficult this must be for both you and your mother. I have indeed encountered this phenomenon before with patient that have had ischemic strokes affecting the thalamus. The thalamus is located midline in the brain and transmits sensory information to the primary cortex... 

 

  How Can Atrial Fibrillation (A-Fib) Cause Stroke?

Atrial fibrillation, also called A-fib, can cause a stroke as a result of the irregular beating of the heart's upper chambers, which sometimes results in

: What's My Risk of Stroke From Atrial Fibrillation (A-Fib)?

 

The risk of stroke due to atrial fibrillation goes up with age. Those in their 50s who don't take blood thinners have about a 1.3 percent chance of stroke every year. The risk goes up to about 5 percent per year for those in their 80s who have atrial fibrillation and don't take blood thinners. 

 

  Is Atrial Fibrillation (A-Fib) Dangerous?

Atrial fibrillation, also called A-fib, can cause potentially life-threatening health problems, including stroke and heart failure. 

 

 What's the difference between TIA and stroke?

 

The main difference is that a TIA (what some people cause a ministroke) doesn't cause lasting damage. A TIA, which stands for transient ischemc attack, and a stroke are caused by the same problem: blood clots that lodge in the brain. But some people get lucky and recover quickly without any lasting damage...

 

What Is Carotid Artery Disease?

Carotid artery disease is what happens when the carotid arteries -- a pair of major arteries running up either side of the neck that carry blood to the brain -- fill up with plaque, becoming narrower and restricting blood flow. The condition is called carotid artery occlusive disease, and it often happens...

 

What Is a Major Stroke?

 

The term major stroke is used to distinguish a full-blown stroke from a minor stroke, or transient ischemic attack (TIA). A TIA is essentially a temporary stroke that resolves on its own without causing permanent damage. When doctors say someone suffered a major stroke, they really just mean a stroke...

 

Is Surgery the Best Treatment for Carotid Artery Disease?

Your best bet is probably to use the same criteria most doctors use. For starters, we look at just how badly the artery is blocked. If the artery is more than 80 percent blocked, surgery may be the best option. However, there are many other factors to look at

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What's the "Golden Hour," and What Does It Mean for Strokes?

In stroke care, the term golden hour is used to designate the hour immediately following the onset of stroke symptoms. (Trauma centers use the general term golden hour to indicate the first hour after a trauma has occurred.)

 

Why Must You Get to a Hospital Immediately After a Stroke?

 

Studies have consistently shown that if patients receive treatment within an hour after their stroke symptoms begin -- the period known as the "golden hour" -- they're much more likely to make a full recovery. Patients whose strokes require treatment with the clot-busting drug tissue plasminogen activator...

 

What can I do about my mother, who is being verbally abusive due to a stroke?

This is a tricky issue. It sounds like your mother’s stroke did damage to the behavior centers in the brain. If she is extremely verbally abusive to you and your children, you should make every effort to have her moved to a more supervised setting, such as an assisted living center or nursing home. ...

 

Are my headaches and feeling like I can't breathe related to my stroke?

Headaches are somewhat of a rare complication of stroke - in my experience, more commonly seen with "bleeding" strokes than with "clotting" strokes. When they occur, they

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Are tremors likely after a stroke?

The answer to this question depends on what you mean by "tremors". That term makes me think of two different possibilities - seizures or clonus.

 

Will he recover from this stroke?

Unfortunately, I don't have a great answer for you. Recovery after a stroke is notoriously hard to predict. The only rule that is almost always true is that the patient should not get worse over time. Beyond that, some people make no recovery, some people make a moderate recovery, and some people make a complete recovery...

 

What is a RIND stroke?

RIND stands for "Reversible Ischemic Neurological Deficit". It is a term that is not widely used anymore. In layman's terms, it means a stroke that the patient was able to fully recover from within a few weeks. This is opposed to a TIA, or "Transient Ischemic Attack", in which the patient

After my stroke, I lost my sense of taste. Will this change?

I have heard a few people tell me that they lost their sense of taste after a stroke. In general, I think of this as being similar to other deficits after a stroke. Gauging how much and how quickly an improvement will occur is very difficult.

 

Is it better to bring him home or force him to stay in rehab?

 

: It sounds as if you are under pressure to make a serious decision about continuing rehab at home instead of in the rehab center. I'm sorry you must struggle with this question, for which there is no simple answer.

 

After a stroke, are seizures normal?

Seizures after a stroke are not too uncommon, and can present long after the initial stroke occurred. They are due to scarring of the normal pathways in the brain - I often compare this to an electrical fire in a building with damaged wires. And, at his age, it is not unrealistic to think that the seizures would make him sedated for several days...

 

Is loss of appetite normal as you age?

It is true that our appetite declines as we age. There are many possible explanations for this, among them a decrease in activity or energy levels and a declining sense of taste and smell – both of which will impact appetite. A decrease in appetite is also a side effect of some medicatio...

 

Does this really represent no brain activity after a stroke?

Let me first start by saying that as a stroke physician, I typically do not see patients with ruptured aneurysms - they are more commonly followed by Neurosurgeons - so please take this answer with "a grain of salt", so to speak.

 

Is it safe to give massages to a stroke patient?

 

Yes, perfectly safe, and I encourage you to continue. Often times, stroke patients find this very soothing and helpful. It helps loosen up their tight muscles, and may even help wake up some of the sensory pathways.

 

 

What is the difference between a mini stroke and Bell's palsy?

Bell's Palsy and stroke are quite different. A Bell's Palsy occurs when there is damage to the facial nerve. The facial nerve controls the movement of most muscles of face. There are two facial nerves, one on the right, one on the left. When damage occurs to the nerve, the entire side of the face involved becomes weak...

 

Is vision therapy after a stroke a waste of time?

 

Before talking about "stroke therapy" and "vision therapy" for your grandma,you need to know that vision loss from a stroke is not vision loss in one eye as you have indicated; rather if your grandma's vision loss is from the stroke, which is likely is, then she has lost the right half of her field of vision in both eyes...


Having difficulty with the external catheter - any tips?

As I read your letter, I was thinking to myself about all the times I tried to use those external male drainage devices, and how much trouble I had with them. This is probably why we do not use them much anymore in health care settings. The external device you are using (which looks like a condom that...

 

What is the life expectancy for Antiphospholipd Syndrome?

First off, you need to get yourself to see a Stroke Specialist, Hematologist, and Rheumatologist IMMEDIATELY. Anti-phospholipid antibody syndrome is not like terminal cancer, where you would expect some time limit on your life span. You should also not accept recurrent strokes as inevitable...

 

Is my father having a seizure or a stroke?

This is a tricky situation. It is not uncommon for people to suffer from neurological "spells" after a stroke without a clear cut etiology. To a first order approximation, I would guess they are seizures since they come and go without leaving any permanent deficit and have been so stereotyped...


 

What can I do to help treat my husband's post stroke headaches?

The first thing I would do is make sure that all necessary imaging has been done. This would include an MRI of the brain and either a CT angiogram or MR angiogram of the vessels of the head and neck. Those would help assure that there is no "mass lesion" causing the pain, and no tear or abnormality of one of the arteries that would cause such pain...

 

Should I be concerned about the minor blood vessel ruptures in my head?

There are a few possibilities as to what could cause such an appearance on the MRI. At the age of 60, the most likely would be that you have too high a blood pressure, and that some of the very small arteries in the brain have ruptured over the years...

 

Does vitamin K prevent strokes?

You may be overthinking these issues.

 

Is it normal to have migraines after a stroke?

I have had several patients who get migraine headaches after a stroke. The first thing I always try to do is make sure nothing dangerous is causing the headaches - usually this means getting an MRI of the brain and an MR angiogram of the vessels of the head and neck...

 

Do testosterone tests also check for other types of hormones?

Testosterone production is started in the hypothalamus, which produces gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GRH). This goes to the pituitary gland, stimulating it to release of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). These hormones travel through the bloodstream to activate the testicles in men to produce testosterone...

 

What does regression indicate?

It can be very frustrating to work hard exercising after a stroke only to experience little improvement. Unfortunately, a stroke causes damage to the neurologic system that controls the muscles but not to the muscles themselves. Without an intact neurologic system for the muscle group, no amount of exercise will bring about improvement...

 

How Do You Treat a TIA, and Does Having a TIA Increase the Risk of a Bigger Stroke Later?

There's no treatment needed for the blood clot that causes a TIA, since a TIA, or transient ischemic attack, is a temporary condition that doesn't cause lasting damage. (Also sometimes called a "ministroke," TIA is the term for a blood clot that went to the brain but dissipated without damaging the brain...

 

How Do You Treat a TIA and Cut Stroke Risks Afterward?

There's no treatment needed for the blood clot itself, since a TIA, or transient ischemic attack, is a temporary condition that didn't cause lasting damage. (Also sometimes called a ministroke, TIA is the term for a blood clot that went to the brain but dissipated without damaging the brain.)

 

Does Atrial Fibrillation Increase Stroke Risk?

People with atrial fibrillation who take medication for their condition still have a slightly increased risk of stroke compared with people without this condition. But effective treatment can cut that risk by more than half.

 

Why has my mother-in-law become so irresponsible with her money since her stroke?

This isn't an unusual complaint, and it's one of the most challenging for families and caregivers. Your mother-in-law's stroke probably caused damage to the right side, or nondominant side, of the brain or the frontal lobes of the brain. People who've had this type of damage may be physically fine, but...

 

What are the risks of general anesthesia after a stroke?

Usually general anesthesia poses little risk to patients who have suffered hemorrhagic strokes, which are most commonly caused by elevated blood pressure or abnormal blood vessels. Unless your mother's surgery requires that she not take blood pressure medicines beforehand, general anesthesia would be...

 

Is it common for a stroke survivor to be less tolerant of heat?

Having difficulty with temperature change likely stems from your stroke. Your brain regulates your body's temperature much the way a thermostat would regulate the temperature in your house. When working properly, your body naturally adjusts to temperature changes by altering blood flow (making your face...

 

My husband suffered a stroke and still sometimes feels a burning sensation in his head. Why?

This is quite an interesting question, and it may require an examination of your husband to get an accurate answer. The problem here is most likely due to damage in the sensory systems of the brain caused by the stroke. In many ways, this is similar to "phantom pains" that amputees often describe coming from a lost limb after an accident or operation...

 

Can a bp averaging 142/90 be considered normal,

A blood pressure reading averaging 142/90 is high, regardless of how long someone has had it. In fact, what you're describing is called lifelong hypertension. Over time, a blood pressure that high can put you at risk for coronary artery disease, stroke, heart failure, and kidney failure...

 

My father had multiple strokes during an open heart surgery...

open heart surgeries come with two different types of potential neurological complications. The first is multiple small strokes. This occurs most commonly when the aorta (or the large artery coming from the heart) is unclamped near the end of the procedure...


Is it normal to have hallucinations after a stroke

In summary, yes, and yes.

 

Are strokes hereditary?

A predisposition to strokes can be hereditary, but there is no reason to think that you are destined to have a stroke.

 

Should my mother see a stroke specialist for memory loss due to a mini stroke?

As a stroke specialist myself, I have a bias that there is no substitute for seeing a stroke specialist to help determine the cause of a stroke, and how best to prevent another stroke.

 

Am I doing the right thing by following the doctor's orders and not bringing my mom in when she has a TIA?

Very sorry to hear about this situation.

 

What are the chances of another stroke?

 

The chances of having a second stroke depend a great deal on what caused the initial stroke. In someone your age, the usual causes of stroke are

1) a tear in the artery,

2) an inborn problem with the arteries,

3) inborn heart disease - such as a hole in the heart, or

4) a clotting disorder.

 

What kind of doctor should we see for stroke recovery issues?

I would recommend you start by seeing a stroke doctor. Your husband should not have any worsening of his left side this far out from a stroke. It sounds like he needs to have a review of his case to make sure that there is no active problem making him worse.

 

Will going off blood thinners before surgery cause a stroke?

Unfortunately, this is a bit of a sticky situation. For his upcoming surgery, there is no choice but to have him off blood thinners. The good news is that the chance of stroke while he is off blood thinners is very low, given that it is such a small window of time...


 

 Should or should not my father take aspirin after a stroke?

This is a tough question, one for which there is no definite right or wrong answer. In general, if someone has had a bleeding stroke (such as your father), but has never had a heart attack or ischemic stroke (stroke caused by a clot in one of the arteries to the brain), I would say he should not be on aspirin...

Is it normal for my head to feel heavy after a stroke?

To be honest, I have never heard of this specific complaint. However, venous strokes are rare enough that this may well be a long-term complication, and has just not been well described in the medical literature. If all of your scans are ok, I think this is a benign issue that should hopefully get better with time...

Are my symptoms consistent with my stroke?

The short answer is "yes", that pain syndromes can develop from various different strokes, not just in the thalamus.

How do I regain my balance after a stroke?

Your vomiting and dizziness symptoms concern us. We recommend you consult a professional to double-check your balance, and arrange for vision and inner ear evaluations. Perhaps the consultation and evaluations may offer an explanation.

What could be causing these post-stroke blackouts?

Recurrent black-outs after a stroke are almost undoubtedly not due to recurrent stroke events. They are almost always caused by either seizure activity, or, more commonly, a sudden drop in blood pressure. A typical evaluation for these episodes would include an electroencephalogram (looking for evidence...

Can a stroke cause sexual dysfunction?

Unfortunately, the answer is yes. A stroke can effect the neural control over sexual function and erection.

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Can sight be lost from a stroke, and then regained?

This is a bit of a complex situation, but I'll try my best to give you some answers.

My husband had a stroke and is in rehab. He won't eat, how can we help?

 I know it is tough to see this happen to someone you love. Having worked in rehab as a nurse, I used to see many stroke patients have a difficult time. It is common for patients with certain types of strokes to have issues with eating. I am hoping that his swallowing ability has been checked, and that he is able to eat safely...

 

After a stroke, my father is on Coumadin. He needs surgery now - is there another way?

The best way I know of to cover a patient coming off Coumadin for surgery is for them to switch to Lovenox shots twice a day for the days preceding the surgery, then hold one or two shots of the Lovenox just before the surgery, and then restart the Lovenox just after surgery. The Lovenox can be stopped once Coumadin is back in the system...

How can you tell if someone had a stroke without an MRI?

Aside from the physicians clinical impression, another diagnostic approach would be to get a CT of the brain. These are not nearly as good as MRI scan for detecting small strokes, but can be helpful, particularly if the stroke is large. Roughly 48 hours onset of symptoms, a CT should detect about 1...

What steps need to be taken for appropriate stroke rehabilitation?

What is the explanation for these common stroke statistics?

Many of the stroke statistics commonly quoted in the literature, in my opinion, are somewhat outdated. In particular, the mortality rates are always changing, have much to do with the type and severity of the stroke, and the hospital setting in which the stroke was treated.

 

Can seizures cause brain damage?

It would be very unusual for a seizure to cause permanent brain damage. It can happen, but typically only after a very prolonged seizure - called "status epilepticus". That said, it is possible for a seizure event to cause a deterioration in a person's recovery after stroke, just the way any acute illness can cause a deterioration in stroke recovery...

 

Are memory and cognitive changes expected after a stroke regardless of the area affected?

Although the cerebellum and brainstem are not commonly associated with cognitive and personality changes, there is no question that these things can occur with strokes in those locations.

How do I encourage my mother to do her physical therapy after her stroke?

I think it is very likely that your mother is suffering from post-stroke depression, a very common problem. Post-stroke depression has a very bad impact on outcome after a stroke. It is crucial to her recovery that she participate actively in rehabilitation exercise, and the sooner, the better.

If my grandfather survives his stroke, what side effects should we expect to see?

Although I can't be sure of the size of his stroke, he is very early out from the event. Therefore, he has lots of time to recover some of his strength. Your doctors are right, that recovery from a stroke is very hard to predict, but the general rule of thumb is that patients slowly improve after the...

Is the skin problem stroke related?

I haven't heard of this exact type of thing happening to someone after a stroke. Two things come to mind, however. The first is that he could be having pressure sores or stasis swelling from not moving the arm and leg (I am assuming that the dryness is only on the side affected by the stroke)...

1 Expert Answer, 4 Community Answers

Did I have a stroke?

Anytime a sudden episode such as that occurs, the three things that come to my mind are 1) Stroke, 2) Seizure, 3) Migraine (not the same as a headache). Of those, the most dangerous would be stroke. At a minimum, you should check in with your doctor (soon) for a physical exam and likely some basic...

What's next for my mother after stroke treatment?

I have found that persistent swelling after a stroke is not uncommon. It has never been entirely clear to me what the cause is, but it is probably related to a loss of vascular tone in the effected arm and leg. The arm and leg begin to swell as fluid leaks out of the vessels, as the brain is no longer keeping the vessels as "tight" as they should be...

Is there still hope for recovery 5 years after a stroke?

Unfortunately, the vast majority of brain recovery after a stroke occurs within the first six months. At five years out, not much spontaneous brain recovery would be expected. However, I would not completely lose hope, as it is likely within your lifetime that some neuro-regenerative therapies may be forthcoming...

Why are stroke victims placed on their side during a stroke?

I have not heard of putting someone on their side specifically for the purposes of having a stroke. This practice is usually reserved for someone having a seizure. It is called putting someone in the "Rescue Position". While a patient is having a seizure, the safest place for them to be is on their side...

Do questions become more difficult to ask after a stroke?

To answer your first question, yes they can. Typically, language can be effected in two ways. The first of those is if the muscles of the mouth are not working properly, and your speech becomes slurry. The second is if the language center in the brain is effected, and you lose your English abilities...

Is cold numbness normal after a TIA?

It sounds as if you suffered a stroke, not a TIA. A TIA, by definition, resolves completely. Your symptoms have not, so this would be a stroke.

What is the explanation for these common stroke statistics?

Many of the stroke statistics commonly quoted in the literature, in my opinion, are somewhat outdated. In particular, the mortality rates are always changing, have much to do with the type and severity of the stroke, and the hospital setting in which the stroke was treated.

Why is my father feeling a weird sensation in his leg after a major stroke?

This is a fairly common problem after a hemorrhagic stroke. The brain often "makes up" sensations when there is a problem in the regular sensory wiring coming from the arms and legs to the brain. People often describe numbing, burning, pins and needles, or a general sense of discomfort. Often, it starts long after the stroke...

What is the treatment for post stroke delerium?

It does sound very suspicious for post-stroke dementia. Delerium would imply that this is a temporary, reversible issue, which it does not sound like since it has been going on for such a long time. However, I think it is very important to make sure there is no underlying cause for delerium - lab testing...

What should be do prior to calling 911 if my sister has another stroke?

The symptoms you describe above do not sound consistent with a stroke. Typically, a stroke would involve weakness or numbness on just one half of the body, often accompanied by visual changes or speech disturbance. If symptoms such as these last longer than 24 hours, and were caused by a stroke, you would expect to see signs of a stroke on an MRI scan...

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Is two minutes of numbness in the toes of right foot sign of stroke?

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It is hard to say with certainty what this episode represented. It is true that a stroke (or in this case, it would be better defined as a TIA - Transient Ischemic Attack - since it lasted less than 24 hours) can cause numbness to the toes, but that would be a bit unusual. Symptoms of TIA usually last at least 20 minutes...

How can I be sure that a headache after a stroke isn't a ministroke, or TIA?

Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), also known as "ministrokes," are almost always painless. Headaches after a stroke are fairly uncommon, but they might occur for the following reasons:

How can I tell whether my father's incontinence after his stroke is temporary?

Incontinence is quite common after a stroke. It's not unusual for a stroke victim to require a great deal of assistance with going to the bathroom; some even require a diaper.

How can I encourage my mother to be more independent after her stroke?

I'd enlist the help of your mother's doctor or physical therapist. Make the visit together and ask your mother's provider to instruct her on what is and isn't safe for her to do by herself. Once that's clear, let your mother do those things on her own.

 

Which type of couch is easier to stand up from?

Soft cushions or more supportive?

First, ask the neurologist or physician presently caring for your husband if a specialized chair, or lift chair, is necessary. If the answer is "yes," the physician may write a prescription for the equipment and insurance may cover a portion of the expense...

Did my mom have a stroke or just a migraine headache?

Migraines are a very cryptic phenomenon, not completely understood by Neurologists. They cause spasm of the blood vessels, and spreading depression of electrical activity across the brain that can mimic a stroke or TIA (transient ischemic attack). In my experience, they, along with seizures, are the most common mimic of stroke and TIA...

Could a burning sensation on the left side of my head be a stroke symptom?

The fact that this sensation only comes on with anxiety and stress makes it most likely a benign headache type, such as a migraine or migraine variant.

How long do stroke symptoms last after a brain stroke?

The general rule I use is that if people survive the initial days of the stroke, and the complications during that early phase, they almost always have some improvement. However, the amount of improvement is extremely variable. Some patients


What exercise

Strokes affect people in different ways; most people experience some degree of weakness in either their arm/leg or both. This weakness, even if mild, can throw off a person's balance making them increased risk for falls. Weakness can also cause you to overuse your stronger side of the body which could...

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What can be done about my husband's ongoing stroke pain, and does it mean there's another one coming?

Head pain is not common during, or after, a stroke. When it occurs, it may be a sign of 1) bleeding, 2) a tear in one of the arteries, 3) a clot in one of the veins, 4) opening up of smaller arteries when one of the larger ones is occluded, or 4) a side effect of his medicine...

Can severe migraine headaches cause a stroke?

Migraines can cause a stroke, but that would be extraordinarily rare. If you do not have stroke-like symptoms with your migraines (such as weakness of an arm, leg, or part of your face; or numbness in those same areas) it is very unlikely that you would ever suffer a stroke...

Should I seek a second opinion about my stroke recovery and meningioma?

It is somewhat hard to know the answer here without knowing the location of the stroke and the meningioma. By age 55, it is not uncommon at all to have incidental old stroke and/or meningiomas seen on routine brain imaging. If they are not in the right location (usually an area known as the "posterior...

Could the reason I stopped having migraines be because I had a stroke?

there is probably a connection. However, unfortunately, so little is known about the cause of migraines that I can't tell you for sure what science underlies your particular case.

What can I do to ease the right hand "clutching" I'm experiencing after my stroke?

Having a tendency to flex the muscles of the hand is very common after a stroke. I would recommend starting by setting up an appointment with a Physiatrist (Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation) doctor. Often, they can do muscle relaxing injections, such as Botox, into those muscles to relieve the strong clenching of the hand...

Can a stroke lead to blindness?

So sorry to hear about your father's difficulty. Many stroke patients experience some vision loss, while others experience complete blindness. The extent of the vision loss depends on the amount and location of brain damage from the stroke.

Could loud snoring indicate a medical problem?

Loud snoring can be a sign of a medical disorder or something more benign. It can be caused by any of the following:

How can I help my kids understand their grandfather's aphasia after his stroke?

This is a tricky issue. Depending on how old your children are, you could try explaining that because your father-in-law got sick, his language abilities are similar to those of a younger child, such as a toddler.

What can I do to encourage my father to work on recovering from his stroke?

Your father may be suffering from depression, which affects as many as half of people who've had a stroke. Symptoms of depression can include a lack of energy and interest, along with changes in appetite and sleeping habits, agitation and restlessness, and crying episodes...

What can be done about excessive sleepiness after stroke?

I have found that fatigue can be a common problem after stroke. There are several reasons why you might be feeling sleepy:

Our stepdad isn't doing all he could to care for my mother after a stroke!

if a spouse is not helping to get the best care for the other spouse. Your step-father may be getting counsel from another advisor or a health care provider about the proper protocol for treatment of your mom. He may be driven by costs, may just not know the best options, or may be getting different advice on several fronts...

Is there a risk that there could still be some internal bleeding?

When doing the cardiac cath procedure (angiogram) through the radial artery, an incision is made in the artery near the wrist, and a catheter is then inserted into the artery. The catheter is then advanced slowly up into the arm artery until it enters the heart vessels...

If you have artial fibrillation, is your risk of stroke only increased during an atrial fibrillation episode?

I think what you are getting at is whether or not having paroxysmal (or transient) atrial fibrillation puts you at just as high as risk of stroke as someone who has permanent atrial fibrillation. The answer to that would be, yes. In fact, paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, in experience, is somewhat more...

Can my mother assign me as power of attorney now that she's in a nursing home?

If your mother is mentally competent and able to understand the purpose and effect of a power of attorney, she is legally able to make one and appoint any person she chooses to act as her agent. And she can specify that the document should take effect immediately, or only if she ever becomes unable to make her own decisions..

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How do we appoint Mom as Dad's Power of Attorney with out his consent?

If your father has lost his cognitive skills, he has also lost the ability to give legal consent, which would be required for a power of attorney.

Is my mother's behavior caused by strokes or is she developing Alzheimer's?

Hallucinations and delusions could be symptoms of both vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Very often, both of those diseases are found together when the brain of pople who died with dementia are examined. Rapid changes are more likely caused by vascular dementia (small strokes) and there may be some improvement later...

 

Is there a standard post-stroke driver assessment? My dad...

Yes. His best bet is to be evaluated by a certified driving rehabilitation specialist --. A post-stroke driver assessment is essential to make sure he is fit to resume driving...

Is a severe stroke considered terminal with regards to a DNR and living will?

The laws pertaining to advance care directives differ significantly from state to state. A stroke is not necessarily considered a terminal illness so the living will may not provide much guidance in this matter. However, if, as you indicate you are your mother's health care surrogate, you should be...

 

Our stepdad isn't doing all he could to care for my mother after a stroke!

There are no easy answers if a spouse is not helping to get the best care for the other spouse. Your step-father may be getting counsel from another advisor or a health care provider about the proper protocol for treatment of your mom. He may be driven by costs, may just not know the best options, or may be getting different advice on several fronts...

Is there a risk that there could still be some internal bleeding?

When doing the cardiac cath procedure (angiogram) through the radial artery, an incision is made in the artery near the wrist, and a catheter is then inserted into the artery. The catheter is then advanced slowly up into the arm artery until it enters the heart vessels...

Why is my husband acting like he has dementia after his surgery?

I have read the above question and the response from the anethesiologist.

 

If you have artial fibrillation, is your risk of stroke only increased during an atrial fibrillation episode?

I think what you are getting at is whether or not having paroxysmal (or transient) atrial fibrillation puts you at just as high as risk of stroke as someone who has permanent atrial fibrillation. The answer to that would be, yes. In fact, paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, in experience, is somewhat more...

 

Can my mother assign me as power of attorney now that she's in a nursing home?

If your mother is mentally competent and able to understand the purpose and effect of a power of attorney, she is legally able to make one and appoint any person she chooses to act as her agent. And she can specify that the document should take effect immediately, or only if she ever becomes unable to make her own decisions...

 

How do we appoint Mom as Dad's Power of Attorney with out his consent?

If your father has lost his cognitive skills, he has also lost the ability to give legal consent, which would be required for a power of attorney.

 

Is my mother's behavior caused by strokes or is she developing Alzheimer's?

Hallucinations and delusions could be symptoms of both vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Very often, both of those diseases are found together when the brain of pople who died with dementia are examined. Rapid changes are more likely caused by vascular dementia (small strokes) and there may be some improvement later...

Can a TIA have residual effects?

By definition, a TIA should cause symptoms that last no more than 24 hours. If your mother is still having symptoms from an event that took place last year, this would be considered a stroke, not a TIA. That said, with regards to vascular dementia, a TIA can cause damage to the brain that is not noticeable to the patient but can be seen on radiologic imaging...

Do you have any healthy recipe suggestions for a stroke patient?

The American Heart Association's cookbooks are fantastic. And now you can access some of their great recipes online. Delicious Decisions is basically an interactive cookbook with dozens of heart-healthy recipes, a shopping guide, and information about making healthy choices when eating out...

Will my stepmother be financially responsible for my dad's care once his insurance money runs out?

Medicaid is the only government program that will pay for long-term care in a nursing home.

 

Can we treat my husband's depression better than all the drugs he's been given?

 Depression after a stroke is very common, and it certainly does not help to have other regrettable life circumstances.

How long can MIL live in her current state disregarding doctor's orders?

Due to her chronic conditions, and the fact that her diabetes is not well controlled, her life expectancy is not long at this point. It sounds as though it will only be a matter of time before her kidneys fail, and then she will need dialysis, which is not easy...

How do I get power of attorney after a stroke?

Even though your father has suffered a stroke, you may still be able to obtain a power of attorney for him if he has the legal capacity to order one. In the eyes of the law, this means he must understand the nature, scope and effect of the document.

Should I take my 80-something parents with me to check out assisted living facilities for them or go alone?

Both. Generally speaking, the best strategy is first to tour all the facilities you're interested in by yourself. Then, when you have two in mind that you think are the best, take your parents along to visit just those two. That way, you don't overwhelm them, which can easily happen if they're barraged with too many choices...

How do I set up a conservatorship for my mother?

Stop and figure out whether you really need a conservatorship immediately. It's not always necessary. If you need to sell stock to finance her care, start by calling the broker and finding out what information or documents he requires to complete the transaction...

What happens to a single person's house when leaving it for a nursing home?

If your father or your family is personally paying for his nursing home care, he can do whatever he wants with his house – sell it, give it away, keep it and rent it out. However, if he keeps it or sells it, the value of the house will be counted against his potential eligibility for Medicaid coverarage of his nursing home costs...

Can refusing some treatments invalidate Medicare?

A patient (who is competent to make decisions) always has a right to refuse treatment. It sounds like what the doctor is doing is simply protecting himself or herself against a liability claim by getting written documentation that your husband's failure to follow a particular course of treatment is contrary to the doctor's medical advice...

How long will my Aunt hold on?

My 85 year old aunt was recently transported to a nursing home after being diagnosed with pnemonia. The past week she was also diagnosed with a UTI. She now has a DNR/DNI Comfort Measures Only living will. This past Sunday she experienced what we believe was a stroke followed but several seizures..

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Is there financial help for physical therapy after a stroke?

Look at his Plan B. It's helping to pay for my Mom's post-stroke therapy after Medicare's 100 ran out.

Why is my sister's speech unintelligible?

your sister has probably had a stroke. she needs help and treatment for that. please get her to a doctor. sudden severe changes in a person with dementia is NEVER due to dementia. it ALWAYS means a person needs expert medical help.

Can Plavix and aspirin be taken together safely?

Your doctor may recommend taking Plavix and aspirin together. The two medications complement each other and can be done safely. Plavix works by preventing blood clots from forming by stopping platelets from sticking together. Aspirin work by thinning the blood allowing the blood to flow better...

How long should you take Plavix post stent?

If aspirin does well with out the plavix,then why take the two,and suffer the side effects from Plaavix?my life is some times a living h $$$  since being on plavix,if my doctor said" you take the aspirin for like I would gladly do so" no one knows how this stuff makes ones feel, since I take coumadin,aspirin & plavix I feel like I'll die...

Should you stop taking Plavix before surgery?

Being that Plavix prevfents the clotting of blood, it woud be a good idea to stop taking this before surgery. The manufacturer recommends discontinuing use at least five days prior to surgery. It is important to discuss this within your doctor prior to the surgery.

What size mg does Plavix come in?

Plavix usually comes in 75 milligram doses per pill. This would be the normal usage by an adult. Sometimes in cases where the patient has more intense complications, Plavix can be doubled or even tripled up for a more concentrated result.

What are the interactions between Plavix and Protonix?

The interaction between Plavix and Protonix is not a positive one and should be avoided. Plavix helps patient prevents strokes and heart attacks and Protonix is used to treat erosive esophaghitis and stomach acid. While they treat similar diseases the interaction between them can cause the effectiveness of both drugs...

Do you need a prescription for Plavix?

Plavix is a drug that requires a prescription because the use of Plavix must be diagnosed and monitored by a doctor. Plavix is used to inhibit platelet development and prevent blood clots after surgery especially heart or artery surgery. Plavix comes in different mg doses and it should not be sold over-the-counter because of its strong effects...

What is the difference between Plavix vs Coumadin?

Plavix is a medication used to inhibit the formation of potentially harmful clots.

Coumadin is a medication that is designed to prevent the formation of potentially harmful clots...

When is stopping Plavix recommended?

It is stated that Plavix should never be stopped immediately you should gradually come off of Plavix giving your body time to adjust to the change. If someone stops Plavix suddenly there is a good chance that they could begin having the same problems they did before taking Plavix. The current amount of Plavix that is recommended right now is a year...

What is the difference between Plavix vs Effient?

Plavix

is a medication used by patients who may be at risk for a stroke or heart attack. It is classified medically as an antiplatelet drug. Plavix is also commonly used to treat patients recovering from certain types of heart surgery. It prevents potentially serious clotting from occurring...

How does Plavix prevent strokes?

The medication Plavix is an anti platelet drug that helps prevent clots in the blood. Blood clots that travel to the brain can cause strokes. Plavix is most often prescribed to people after a recent heart attack or stroke, or for people who have certain heart or blood vessel disorders and are at an increased risk for developing blood clots...

What is the difference between Plavix vs aspirin?

Plavix prevents blood clots from forming by stopping platelets from sticking together. Aspirin thins the blood allowing the blood to flow better. The diifference in the two is in how they work. However, they both can help prevent heart attacks and strokes in their own way so they can complement each other if taken together...

Is there a Plavix equivalent?

There are not currently any "generic" versions of Plavix that are available, although some will be coming within the next three years. The nice thing about Plavix is that there is significant research that shows how well it works, something that will be missing from future equivalents.

Does Plavix treat atrial fibrillation?

Treatments for atrial fibrillation include restoring the heart to normal rhythm, slowing the heart rate, and preventing blood clots. Many people with this condition require more than one type of treatment. Plavix would be prescribed for the prevention of blood clots, but does not actually treat the atrial fibrillation...

Can Plavix and Zantac be taken together safely?

Plavix and Zantac can be taken together safely. Plavix and certain Proton Pump Inhibitors such as Nexium can not be taken together safely because the PPI drugs inhibit the ability of Plavix to be metabolized by the body, greatly reducing it's effectiveness...

Is stopping Plavix prior to surgery recommended?

Plavix is prescribed to prevent blood clots. The drug decreases the formation of blood platelets, which form clots, which in turn causes an increased bleeding risk. Before any surgical procedure, the doctor will recommend that the use of Plavix be discontinued...

What is the difference between Plavix vs ticlopidine?

Plavix and ticlopidine share similar purposes; however, Plavix may be the safer of the two drugs. They are both antiplatelet drugs used for prevention of stroke and inhibition of blood clotting, which work by inhibiting ADP receptors. However, ticlopidine has a greater risk of side effects; it has...

Does Plavix cause weight gain?

There is no evidence to support that Plavix causes weight gain. Several users report some weight loss with the drug, however no weight gain is reported and this is not listed as a side effect of the drug.

Does Plavix cause thrombocytopenia?

Thrombocytopenia is not a decrease in red blood cells, but instead, a decrease in platelets.

 

 need of an antacid, make sure you have food in your stomach...

Can Plavix and Pepcid be taken together safely?

There is no interaction between Plavix and Pepcid, therefore both can be taken simutaneously without interaction. While this is a general rule, it is always good to check with a qualified health professional before combining any medications.

What is the difference between Plavix vs Ticlid?

The major difference between Plavix and Ticlid is that Ticlid reduces the number of platelets in the blood stream where Plavix prevents platelets for coagulating. Both drugs decrease clotting but Ticlid has the potential to cause more side effects than Plavix.

What are the Plavix withdrawal symptoms?

Plavix is not a habit forming drug, meaning that all medical evidence strongly suggests you will not through a withdrawal once you stop taking the medication. What will change is that your blood will start clotting up again as the medication leaves your system and this could leave you vulnerable to a...

What are the monitoring parameters for Plavix?

Plavix is a very common drug used for heart problems and especially after stenting procedures done for heart attacks. It comes in tablet form and acts in special blood cells known as platelets to prevent clotting. Generally there are no monitoring parameters for plavix use like there are in other medications such as coumadin...

What are the long term use side effects of Plavix?

Plavix can create hypertension with exercise in some people if they have long term use of Plavix. Also when cut and bleeding a patient will find that they cannot stop the bleeding as quickly as possible. Also there is a possibility of dizziness and fainting after taking Plavix for an extended amount of time...

How should you discontinue taking Plavix?

The first thing you need to do when you want to stop taking Plavix is to call your doctor. They will review your condition and medications and determine if you need a treatment to replace the Plavix. After you stop taking Plavix your doctor may order test to make sure your blood clotting time has returned to normal...

Should Plavix be stopped before dental extractions?

This is an anti-platelet medication, it is also known as clopidogrel to medical professionals and pharmacists. Plavix is a brand of this drug. When undergoing dental surgeries it is considered "safe enough" to continue on the same dosage of anti-platelet medication as the patient is used to...

Has Plavix cause deaths?

There have been deaths associated with the person taking Plavix. Being on Plavix after having a stent or heart attack means that you have a chance of having another heart attack within three months. If a patient uses Plavix when it is not necessarily needed it can greatly increase their risk of stroke, heart attack and has cause several deaths...

Can Plavix and antacids be taken together?

The combination of antacids and Plavix have been used at times and its side effects may hurt you. They say you shouldn't take anything that could make your stomach upset and possibly make your chest feel more pain. The idea is to just take Plavix and see how that feels and in case of the

Can we treat my husband's depression better than all the drugs he's been given?

I'm sorry to hear about this. Depression after a stroke is very common, and it certainly does not help to have other regrettable life circumstances.


How long can MIL live in her current state disregarding doctor's orders?

Due to her chronic conditions, and the fact that her diabetes is not well controlled, her life expectancy is not long at this point. It sounds as though it will only be a matter of time before her kidneys fail, and then she will need dialysis, which is not easy...


How do I get power of attorney after a stroke?

Even though your father has suffered a stroke, you may still be able to obtain a power of attorney for him if he has the legal capacity to order one. In the eyes of the law, this means he must understand the nature, scope and effect of the document.


Should I take my 80-something parents with me to check out assisted living facilities for them or go alone?

Both. Generally speaking, the best strategy is first to tour all the facilities you're interested in by yourself. Then, when you have two in mind that you think are the best, take your parents along to visit just those two. That way, you don't overwhelm them, which can easily happen if they're barraged with too many choices...


How do I set up a conservatorship for my mother?

Stop and figure out whether you really need a conservatorship immediately. It's not always necessary. If you need to sell stock to finance her care, start by calling the broker and finding out what information or documents he requires to complete the transaction...


Now that my mom is in a nursing home, how can I make the most of my one-hour visits with her?

It's often difficult for adult children to adjust to the changes in their relationship with an elderly parent, but it's especially difficult when the parent has dementia. As hard as it is to reconcile your mom today with the dynamic, take-charge person you once knew, she's still your mother, and she needs you now more than ever...


What can I do to encourage my dad to wear his emergency response device?

Tell your dad -- loud and clear -- that this device isn't a punishment; it's a gift that will allow him to live independently, in his own home, for longer. The alternatives are a full-time caregiver, an assisted-living facility, or moving in with a relative...

 

Why doesn't my mother's doctor want to perform a red blood cell transfusion, just because she's never had one before?

When your mother’s red blood count (RBC) is low, her doctors may start considering a transfusion if her anemia is causing symptoms such as extreme fatigue and shortness of breath. Unlike a platelet transfusion, a transfusion of red blood cells can have both immediate and long-lasting benefits, sincece the average red blood cell lives 120 days...

1 Expert Answer

My father has had a stroke and has no will. How do I ensure his things are taken care of?

It sounds as if you're most concerned about how your father's property would b distributed at his death. Under Colorado law, if he dies intestate, or without a will, his property would go to his spouse. If that is not your father's wish, it may not be too late for him to make a will including others in the plan to receive his property...

1 Expert Answer

Are there government benefits for someone who's had a stroke and gets only a small company pension?

There are several government programs, in addition to her company pension, that might provide help for your sister. She can apply for Social Security retirement or disability benefits based on her years of work, or on the work record of her spouse if she was married...


Do we need a court order for the bank stating my mother is unable to handle her financial affairs any longer?

The short answer to your questions are: Yes, it does seem the bank is talking about a conservatorship. And yes, it would be perfect if the power of attorney and doctor’s letter would suffice. However, there are many factors at play in your mother’s situation and, unfortunately, what you wish the ban...


What can I do to contest a power of attorney with a forged signature?

It must be stressful indeed to help your fiance through a stroke and all of the medical and emotional struggles connected to that, even apart from the possible family battle you now face. Unfortunately, stories like yours are all too common.You are correct; a power of attorney produced by fraud is not valid...