Expert: Kimberlee Bates Date: 3/9/2008 Subject: After coma and stroke
Question Hi, my boyfriend had a terrible car accident the 22 of Feb. 08 and was put in a induced coma until the 7th of March 08. He had a stroke also which now has his right side paralyzed. He's awake,just not as alert as we would have hoped after the two weeks. He is moving his left side non stop and being very agitated.
I'm not getting any information on what he is going through. I just need to understand, how I can help him to understand that he has to cooperate and stop trying to pull out his tubes. He's 25 and in great shape btw. Please educate me on this new stage of his recovery.
Answer I would first like to say that I am sorry that this has happened. Unfortunately recovering from a stroke can be an uphill battle and it does take time.
I also want to mention that the fact that your boyfriend was given paralytics to intentionally induce a coma has nothing to do with the fact he suffered a stroke.
A stroke occurs because of a lack of blood flow to the brain and different things can occur depending upon where in the brain the injury occurred.
Sometimes it takes a while for brain injuries to heal - weeks to months. You will have to speak with the neurologist re: the length of time in which his injury may take.
However at the moment he is not able to verbalize his needs/concerns & that can be very frustrating. Try & imagine yourself as he is and it will become more clear to you what he may be going through.
Your role is to be there for him & talk to him in a way that doesn't require him to answer questions. Bring some of his favorite music for him to listen to & some things that are familiar to him from home that don't require him to do anything with.
Physical & occupational therapy will handle his rehab.
I hope that I have answered your question but if not please feel to ask more.
