Hi.. Infection of the kidney can spread to the blood, a condition known as sepsis can sure cause drowsiness and alteration in consciousness.. The fact that she spoke to your mom clearly indicates that she may not have a stroke, cause in stroke symptoms do not fluctuate.. The other causes for similar symptoms are due to abnormalities in the electrolytes and sugars.. Blood test will help in diagnosing these.. The doctors would have performed these tests, and if they have then they are right about the cause.. Hope you grandmother recovers fast...