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What Causes Unresponsiveness After An Ischemic Stroke?

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Posted on Wed, 30 Apr 2014
Question: My 92 year old mom was found unresponsive in her nursing home on Sunday morning. As it turns out, she had an ischemic stroke and has not regained consciousness. She is on oxygen and an IV to keep her nourishment. Her normal medications for dementia, high blood pressure and high cholesterol have been discontinued because she is unable to swallow. There is an order that has been enacted for no heroic or lifesaving measures and the home is doing compassionate care. She is entirely paralyzed on the left side of her body. She repeatedly does the same motion with her right arm where she will touch her forehead and then her arm drops. The nurses at the home have advised us that they "don't think she is in pain". My question is, is she in pain or is there any way to tell if she is? This is weighing on me because I don't want her to suffer anymore than she already has.
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Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini (1 hour later)
Brief Answer: She is not in pain... Detailed Answer: Hi, I have gone through the medical history of your dear mom and feel sorry for the situation she is in. I have observed the same motion as your mom is doing (touch her forehead and then her arm drops) to some of my patients being severely sick for few days until they passed away. Neither of them had had a sign of pain. To my experience, unfortunately, these are the last motions for a severely sick person. If the nurses that are taking care of her have reported that she is not in pain, please trust their words. Their experience and knowledge have empowered them with the willing to tell you that your mom is not in pain. As mentioned above, neither of my patients with the same problems of your mom had suffered pain. Pray God that your mom passes her last minutes painless! As a son, your prayer will be undoubtedly accepted! All the best! Dr.Albana Let me know if you have further queries! I'd be honored to assist you further!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2006

Answered : 7309 Questions

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What Causes Unresponsiveness After An Ischemic Stroke?

Brief Answer: She is not in pain... Detailed Answer: Hi, I have gone through the medical history of your dear mom and feel sorry for the situation she is in. I have observed the same motion as your mom is doing (touch her forehead and then her arm drops) to some of my patients being severely sick for few days until they passed away. Neither of them had had a sign of pain. To my experience, unfortunately, these are the last motions for a severely sick person. If the nurses that are taking care of her have reported that she is not in pain, please trust their words. Their experience and knowledge have empowered them with the willing to tell you that your mom is not in pain. As mentioned above, neither of my patients with the same problems of your mom had suffered pain. Pray God that your mom passes her last minutes painless! As a son, your prayer will be undoubtedly accepted! All the best! Dr.Albana Let me know if you have further queries! I'd be honored to assist you further!