Is it a stroke?

[mahol]

My mother in law has recently been told she may have had a stroke. She is almost totally unable to do anything, limp like a rag doll She can talk but my question is, is this a stroke? She has had highblood pressure for some years now. Bear in mind she lives in Thailand and does not have access to hi tech medical help.

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

It sounds very much like it. Unfortunately to confirm it she needs an MRI scan as CT scans can give a false negative.

You say she has high BP. I assume she is being treated for this and has "normal" blood pressure now.

Without proper diagnosis it is impossible to tell if it was caused by a blood clot or bleed to the brain. Avoiding caffeine and alcohol might be beneficial.

She also needs physiotherapy to help her recover physically.

[mahol in reply to MichaelJH]

thanks for your reply,latest info.i get is she was in hospital for over a week.had blood tests taken X-ray. Did not respond to physio. she could not do anything,back home now still the same 2 weeks since collapse.Nurse informed if she does not exercise and engage positively then about 6 months left. Remember Michael this is Thailand and they have a different way of doing things. My own situation is i am confined to the house and still waiting although i prefer to take my chances here rather than going to the Jubiliee. Medication is doing a good job,mentally i am content here with my family,just take it day by day and hope things turn out well.Will keep in touch and let you know of any changes.

[Hidden]

My dad had an angiogram done in Thailand for his PAD same time they checked his heart he had 3 major blockages no chest pain. They were very good.

We all fight our battles on our own but if she is alot older with nuerological problems you may have to talk to the doctors on the phone and arrange some more tests.

[mahol in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for your reply Moonflower 1. The lady is 74yrs.old and prior to this was always difficult to deal with. I do not think any more investigation is possible. She would not consent.