Hemiplegia

Hello my Mum suffered a stroke 6 weeks ago and I have been informed the damage has been done in that she has lost use of left hand side. I will not accept this at such an early stage and remain hopeful Mum will regain movement. Can anyone help please?

[cat3]

There's been a surge of development in new methods of stroke treatment in the past decade. Cell transplantation, which is proving effective even months after the stroke, is probably the most encouraging as it can be administered months after the stroke and still reduce or even reverse the damage.

There are other techniques, such as where growth of nerve fibres is manipulated : another one of the wonderful developments happening right now.

But even without intervention, the effects of a stroke will improve with physio and encouragement, and improvements can continue indefinitely. Six weeks on from a stroke is such early days for your mum, and you can expect to see more positive developments in the months to come.

All best wishes for better days ahead. Cat x

[Hidden in reply to cat3]

Many thanks Cat. Mum is 79 and pre stroke very active. I will be doing physio with her everyday using techniques from a paper I read from Italy on Proprioceptive based training. I appreciate the cell transplantation but feel Mum may not want to go ahead with this.

She is characteristically a determined person but currently does not understand the full effects of the damage suffered. However I remain positive and look ahead.

Thanks again.

Best wishes

Martin

[cat3 in reply to Hidden]

It looks like your mum is in good hands Martin. Please keep us updated on her progress ; with her determined nature and your positivity, she has every chance of achieving a good quality of life.

Best wishes................... x

[jayne_h]

There was a newspaper article (I think it was in Metro in Europe) about a researcher in Maastricht university, Dr Alexander Sack who was working on non-invasive brain stimulation with stroke patients based on electromagnetic currents. The article said this technique was being applied in Germany, France and the US but not in the UK. It mentioned it has improved functionality for stroke sufferers.

On the subject of brain healing, you might try Tina M Sullivan's cookbook, Nourish Your Noggin. It is intended for patients with post concussion syndrome but maybe it would help your mum too? Worth a try. It's not so expensive. The foods she recommends are nice. Avocado, ginger, dark chocolate, coconut oil. There are some recipes for smoothies with berries and oats and coconut milk. I've used it for my mum who has suffered post concussion syndrome. You could spoil your mum with some of these recipes.

I hope she recovers.

[Hidden in reply to jayne_h]

Many thanks Jayne. The recipes sound very tasty. Currently Mum is on thickened fluids and softened/blended foods, but this can be achieved with your suggestions.

Good news is Mum will be discharged tomorrow. Exciting but also somewhat anxious as to what lays ahead. However I am sure she will make some progress, in whatever form cognitive or physical it will all be positive.

Regards

Martin