Suggest Treatment For Dementia And Behavioral Changes After A Stroke

Posted on Thu, 3 Nov 2016

Question: My father in law has had a number of strokes the last four years, and just had a massive stroke a few days ago leaving him partially paralyzed on the right side of his face and no use of that arm. Because of religious reasons, I struggle to understand, they did not get him any medical help and he is now in a nursing home. He is acting erratically and although he can eat some and drink, he is unable to care for himself, lashes out and does odd things. What happens to a person after you do not treat a stroke? We are unsure what to expect. Could he improve or will things get dramatically worse?

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (25 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
He might just die if nothing is done.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

His previous stroke episodes seem to have caused dementia and personality changes which are responsible for these erratic behavior. He needs care and if nothing is done, he can easily develop a complication such as thrombophlebitis, sores, etc. and die. Certainly thing will get dramatically worse. If something is done, we will for sure improve his condition.

What are the religious beliefs for which he has been denied any further care?

Thanks and best wishes. Keep me posted on his progress and feel free to ask for more details if need be.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Chobufo Ditah (31 minutes later)

He is Christian Scientict. We don't even know where the stroke was? What kind. But what happened to the clot if it was a clot?

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (5 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Have you done a CT-Scan of the head?

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

The best way to identify where the clot is is by doing a brain scan. Please, do this to confirm the diagnosis and The location as this is very important in understanding the disease and treating right..Stroke is not always caused by a clot but might be caused by bleeding as well. The only best way to make this difference is by getting a scan.

I hope this guides. Let me know what you guys decide on.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Chobufo Ditah (32 minutes later)

No there has been NO medical treatment at all. Zero. He had a stroke and he was put in a bed and is being cared for by nurses who treat in Christian Science tradition. Prayer. Literally nothing. That is why I wanted to know what happens in either case the blood clot untreated or the ruptured vein. Assuming it was a clot, what happened to the clot if just left there and where does it go?

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Most clots stay there!

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Clots stay in place and in most cases will cause prolonged damage. It is however late at this time to imagine any meaningful action on the clot. We can only manage the complications through rehabilitation.

Best wishes. While I respect his will/wish for such a treatment option, I wouldn't have recommended that to my patent.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar