Deteriorating Health Following Stroke Events
My mother’s condition has taken a turn for the worse in the six weeks since she suffered multiple strokes, and the information provided by her healthcare team has been scarce. We feel a growing sense of anxiety about her situation and would greatly appreciate any insights. Prior to the strokes, she was 61 years old and had lived with multiple sclerosis (MS) since she was 26. She was largely immobile, unable to walk unassisted, and had recently shown slight cognitive decline. Additional issues included difficulty swallowing, general weakness, incontinence, and repeated urinary tract infections. Initially, her stroke symptoms were misinterpreted as a deterioration of her MS, but her condition warranted a hospital visit when she exhibited pronounced weakness on her left side coupled with confusion. During her hospital stay, medical professionals detected three areas of concern in her brain that they initially believed to be mini-strokes, but unfortunately, she was not treated in time for TPA therapy. Instead, she was prescribed a low dose of aspirin. It is worth noting that her blood sugar levels plunged to dangerously low points twice for unexplained reasons during her hospitalization. Subsequently, she was sent to rehabilitation for three weeks, where she showed some improvement in physical strength and was able to engage in conversations. However, she began experiencing hallucinations and severe paranoia. Upon returning home, her mental state declined, prompting my father to take her back to the hospital on two occasions due to frightening hallucinations and heightened paranoia, where she believed that harm was imminent and refused to eat. Presently, while in the hospital, she struggles to recognize most people, experiences double vision, cannot maintain her own posture, exhibits agitation and occasional aggression, speaks to herself, and shows signs of extreme deviation from her usual behavior. She remains reluctant to eat or drink and is being maintained on intravenous fluids. Recent changes to her medication regimen include the continuation of low-dose aspirin, the discontinuation of Abilify, a switch from Metoprolol to Norvasc for blood pressure, the addition of Seroquel and Zyprexa, and an unknown antibiotic administered via IV to treat her urinary infection. Her current medications also include Lipitor, Symmetrel, Symbalta, Protonix, magnesium, and potassium. It is uncertain if she is still receiving low-dose Prednisone and Solifenacin. In summary, my mother, having experienced advanced MS, suffered three strokes six weeks ago and her health has rapidly deteriorated since. She is showing signs of profound paranoia, hallucinations, refuses to eat, and increasingly fails to recognize family members.
Answers (1)
7/20/2025, 11:01:46 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm truly sorry to hear about your mother's challenging situation. It's understandable to feel anxious given the rapid changes in her health and the complexity of her condition following multiple strokes and her history with multiple sclerosis (MS). Let’s break down her situation and outline some important points.
Main Points:
- Complex Medical Status: Your mother’s current state is affected by her history of MS, the recent strokes, and the resultant symptoms such as agitation, hallucinations, and difficulty eating.
- Medication Adjustments: Her ongoing treatment regimen is trying to address multiple symptoms but can sometimes lead to side effects, highlighting the need for careful monitoring.
Explanation:
Your mother’s health decline after the strokes may stem from several factors, including the brain damage from the strokes, her existing MS, and the medications she is receiving. Stroke can lead to a wide array of complications, including cognitive and psychological disturbances, which may explain her hallucinations and paranoia.
Her refusal to eat and drink is concerning, as it can lead to further complications. Medications like Seroquel and Zyprexa can help manage her psychiatric symptoms, but they can also affect her cognitive function and appetite. The intravenous fluids are essential to keep her hydrated, but it's important that her healthcare team closely monitors her nutritional needs as well.
Next Steps:
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Collaborate with Healthcare Providers: Encourage open communication with her medical team. Ask for clarity on her current medications, their purposes, and any potential side effects, particularly regarding her hallucinations and reluctance to eat. Understanding what each medication is intended to address can help in managing expectations and care.
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Monitor Nutrition and Hydration: It's vital that her caloric and hydration needs are being met. If she's refusing food, discuss alternatives with the healthcare team, including high-calorie supplements or different feeding options like enteral nutrition if appropriate.
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Cognitive and Psychological Support: Inquire whether there are specialists, such as neurologists or psychiatrists, who can assess her cognitive function and provide tailored interventions to help manage her psychiatric symptoms. This may include adjustments to her medication to better suit her needs.
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Involve a Multi-disciplinary Team: If not already involved, suggest a social worker or case manager to help navigate the complexities of her care, especially when there are concerns regarding hallucinations and cognitive decline.
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Family Support and Education: Take advantage of resources for families dealing with similar situations. Understanding the conditions she faces can offer you all a way to better support her emotionally and physically.
It's completely normal to feel overwhelmed during such challenging times. Keeping lines of communication open with the healthcare providers will be key in advocating for your mother’s needs and ensuring she receives the best possible care. If you have specific questions about her medications or symptoms, note those down so you can discuss them during hospital visits.
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