Post stroke symptoms

[Juanna]

I had a haemmorhegic stroke 3 weeks ago, caused through extremely high BP. I am still getting daily headaches and lots of backache. This is a worry and I wondered if it is normal and how long it will last. Should I see my GP? I am measuring my BP daily which seems to be ok. I am taking Amlodopine 10 mg daily.

[Fortepiano]

Dear Juanna

My husband had a sub-arachnoid haemorrhage and I remember vividly how terrifying it was so I send you my sympathy. He was immensely fortunate and had no long-term effects, though as the bleed caused several seizures he was on anti-seizure medication for a year and forbidden to drive during that time ( not a problem as he doesn't drive!).

His bleed was due to a combination of hypertension and warfarin, but he was recovering from a transplant at the time and on very strong post-operative painkillers so I don't think he would have noticed any other pains.

However, apparently post-stroke headaches ( both tension headaches and migraines) and pain are a common problem, particularly when you are still recovering after haemorrhagic stroke, so you are not alone. I would definitely recommend going back to your GP and also contact the Stroke Asociation for advice. Hopefully, your headaches will become less as you recover -it's still extremely early days for you.

If they continue to be a problem ask to be referred back to your neurologist / stroke team.

If necessary a pain management team could help long-term , but hopefully it won't be a long-term problem. But don't feel you have to live with pain!

Here is a link to where you can get a pdf of the Stroke Association's leaflet on pain after stroke. It's quite general, but it covers headaches - and recommends rest, hydration and against caffeine and alcohol:

stroke.org.uk/resources/pai...

Seven years on neither of us ever think of his stroke any more, except for travel insurance, which I'm afraid you will find is expensive. Lots of good advice on here about insurance for when you get back to going on holiday.

Wishing you the very best with your recovery

[BARTLETT1965]

Hi

Don’t know how long they will last for U, but I had a stroke and heart attack in 2008 . Ended up with 50% brain damage and have bad spells of head aches . This last one has lasted over 3 month with it vetting in strength from just middling to totally thriving. Popping tablets regular with no effects.

My GP hasn’t done owt about it, except saying I had scan done on it a couple of years ago.

Hope u feel better soon

Jeff