Emotional Issues from a Stroke

by Beth Canton
(Thomasville, AL)

Question: My 48 yr old bro-in-law had a stroke during a heart valve replacement March 1, 2012. He has vision and speech problems as well as his right leg does not follow like his left does. He has all the clinical symptoms like talking all the time, hollers when he thinks someone is talking about him, poor eating habits, crying etc. He has not had any type of therapy except for a few sessions of speech. His wife cries as much as he does and they both keep saying that he is not getting any better. He is working but is always tired as well. I feel that they all need psychological counseling so they all know how to cope with the situation. How important or urgent is this at this time?

Answer: I would recommend seeing a neuropsychiatrist who has dealt with stroke patients. It definitely sounds like the family is not functioning well, and I believe a psych consult could be helpful. I would also advise to seek out support via a support group or through online support groups for both your brother-in-law and his wife. It is most likely difficult for them to listen to family memers who are not in the same situation. The advice that other stroke patients and caregivers can give them could be invaluable and may allow them to see that they need to seek help.