My mother had a stroke...

[swerve]

It happened late last week...

The way she describes it -- a hot flash, like a lightning bolt, started in the middle of her head and made its way down one side, then immediately another one started and came down through her neck and back -- then her legs immediately turned into water -- and she collapsed vertically -- fortunately, she was with her sister who is an RN and was driven 30 miles to the nearest hospital...

And it wasn't the kind that caused any long term damage -- more of a light stroke or TIA...

It happened when she was on vacation in Northern Michigan and she was hospitalized for a couple of days but the hospital didn't have any specialists -- so they released her...

She rested for a day and then one of my older brothers brought her back home (Huntsville, AL) -- she didn't fare well during the last several hours of the long car trip...

So now she is in Huntsville and my sister is trying to get her in to see a Neurologist -- but they wouldn't make an appointment for her until NEXT Thursday...

My sister has been bugging them multiple times per day -- and the latest today they told her to try again Monday, but they're just too busy...

But here is the problem -- she is suffering SEVERE vertigo and also has a prickling sensation on her head and neck (she describes it as the same feeling you get when your arm or leg fall asleep) -- and just generally doesn't feel well...

And she is scared because she doesn't know if she'll make it until next Monday, let alone next Thursday -- her fear is basically because the hospital in Michigan found the marker of a stroke on the MRI but didn't really have any specialists...

Are these NORMAL side effects of a stroke -- or is there something to be more concerned with???

I asked my sister if she could bring her into the ER and maybe get a Neurologist to see her faster -- but we don't know???

Anyone ever have any experience personally or of a close relative that might know???

THANKS...






p.s. One other thing -- I called and talked with her for awhile when she was in the hospital (she had difficulty holding up her end of the conversation) -- and when I talked with her today, she had NO RECOLLECTION that I had even called her just last week...

 

[Limenade]

Swerve,

I'm so sorry about what happened to your Mom!

With stroke, time is of the essence--glad to hear that your Aunt took your Mom to the hospital when it first happened.

I am sorry that I am not qualified to offer medical advice, but I'll be holding good thoughts and hope things work out for your Mom. Could she be seen by a specialist or by the ER this weekend based on the onset of new symptoms?

Take care!

 

[Jack Springer]

It happened late last week...

The way she describes it -- a hot flash, like a lightning bolt, started in the middle of her head and made its way down one side, then immediately another one started and came down through her neck and back -- then her legs immediately turned into water -- and she collapsed vertically -- fortunately, she was with her sister who is an RN and was driven 30 miles to the nearest hospital...

And it wasn't the kind that caused any long term damage -- more of a light stroke or TIA...

It happened when she was on vacation in Northern Michigan and she was hospitalized for a couple of days but the hospital didn't have any specialists -- so they released her...

She rested for a day and then one of my older brothers brought her back home (Huntsville, AL) -- she didn't fare well during the last several hours of the long car trip...

So now she is in Huntsville and my sister is trying to get her in to see a Neurologist -- but they wouldn't make an appointment for her until NEXT Thursday...

My sister has been bugging them multiple times per day -- and the latest today they told her to try again Monday, but they're just too busy...

But here is the problem -- she is suffering SEVERE vertigo and also has a prickling sensation on her head and neck (she describes it as the same feeling you get when your arm or leg fall asleep) -- and just generally doesn't feel well...

And she is scared because she doesn't know if she'll make it until next Monday, let alone next Thursday -- her fear is basically because the hospital in Michigan found the marker of a stroke on the MRI but didn't really have any specialists...

Are these NORMAL side effects of a stroke -- or is there something to be more concerned with???

I asked my sister if she could bring her into the ER and maybe get a Neurologist to see her faster -- but we don't know???

Anyone ever have any experience personally or of a close relative that might know???

THANKS...






p.s. One other thing -- I called and talked with her for awhile when she was in the hospital (she had difficulty holding up her end of the conversation) -- and when I talked with her today, she had NO RECOLLECTION that I had even called her just last week...

Now is the time for you to be the most forceful you've ever been.

Somehow, the nurses think they are protecting their doctor.

Do what you have to do to get your mother in to see the doctor.

Get her to the ER now. It's nothing to fool around with.

 

[KaraBulut]

The symptoms that your mother is describing are typical of a cerebrovascular event- possibly a stroke or ongoing transient ischemic attack (TIA).

In the event of a stroke, the hospital should follow a specific stroke protocol called Rapid Response Stroke (RRS) Protocol for evaluation and treatment. It sounds like the hospital did not find enough evidence to treat her for a stroke.

However, because she is still having symptoms and cannot get an appointment, she should go to the nearest RSR hospital. I checked my list and Huntsville Hospital is on the RSR list, so I would recommend that she go to the ED there for evaluation. They should be able to tell her whether she has had a stroke or whether this is a TIA. It would also get her more rapid access to a neurologist or neurosurgeon since an RSR center must have an on-call neurologist available 24x7.

 

[onetwothreefour]

I am sorry for the stress your family has been under.

I did a quick search for level 1 Trauma Centers in Alabama and it seems there is only one in Birmingham.

http://www.uabmedicine.org/conditions-and-services/emergency-medicine

I would have your mother go there. They are required to have specialists available 24 hours a day.

Edit: I didn't see Kara's message before I posted and didn't know about RSR programs; I only knew about trauma 1 centers because I always look for the closes one before going on vacation. If they have neurologists available in Huntsville maybe that's better to avoid the drive to Birmingham.

Edit 2: I was probably more hurt than help because I now see your closest hospital is also Trauma 1 as certified by the state but not the FACS where I had been searching.

 

[Seasoned]

I think you have all the advice you need but you report actually made me cry. I hope she gets the help she needs now and I hope she and your entire family will be fine and do well throughout this ordeal. This is scary stuff. I hope it goes well for her.

 

[swerve]

Thanks everyone for your quick and informative responses...

I've forwarded the information to my sister and brother-in-law (her caretakers at the moment) and they will discuss it tonight over dinner...

They did get her into their family doctor today -- and he didn't send her to the hospital -- but they agree that she needs to be seen by a specialist...

Hopefully they decide to bring her into the hospital either tonight or in the morning...

I'll keep you updated on her progress / diagnosis...

Also -- THANKS VERY MUCH for you KIND thoughts and words...

 

[Jack Springer]

^^^

Thank you Seasoned for expressing the concern I did not earlier.

My father has had 1 stroke and 2 TIA's and my mother died of a stroke last summer.

My best wishes for her speedy recovery. There is hope.

 

[swerve]

Hi Jack!!!

When your father had the TIA's -- did he suffer from the same symptoms and did he describe it similarly???

I'm just curious as I really don't know much about this kind of stuff -- and it is scaring me...

THANKS...

 

[KaraBulut]

The signs of a TIA and a blocked blood vessel in the brain (called an ischemic stroke) can be very similar.

The symptoms generally are:

• Weakness on one side of the body, facial drooping on one side of the body or complaints of numbness that affects one side but not the other.
• Sensory changes - particularly changes in vision.
• Problems with coordination- either difficulty walking or complaints of feeling dizzy.
• Headache that comes on suddenly and doesn't seem to be relieved by things that would normally offer relief.

What no one is telling you is that a stroke has to be treated within hours of the event or the damage is not reversible. So, now that you are a week out from the original event, if it was a stroke then the window of urgent treatment has passed.

The problem is that your mother doesn't have a diagnosis of what happened- whether it was a fainting spell (syncope), a TIA or whether it was in fact a stroke.

Occasionally we see patients who have been seeing TIAs or syncopal episodes for some time but no one was around to witness them- so this may not be something new and what happened was that someone with medical knowledge witnessed the episode in Michigan last week.

What is of concern is that your mother is still having symptoms and this seems to have been a sudden onset thing. This is the thing that makes it a bit more urgent to come to a diagnosis.

 

[guyfromNY]

I don't have much to offer in the way of your mother's health, but I must agree with Jack about being forceful. There are many doctors who are kind and compassionate people who really care about their patients. It's also important to remember that most doctors are not like Dr. Oz... Lots of them can be arrogant snots who would step on your face if you didn't have the correct insurance.

It's very important for people in your mom's situation to have a knowledgable advocate who will have her best interests at heart. It sounds like she has a great support system and that's crucial.

 

[Jack Springer]

Hi Jack!!!

When your father had the TIA's -- did he suffer from the same symptoms and did he describe it similarly???

I'm just curious as I really don't know much about this kind of stuff -- and it is scaring me...

THANKS...

My father's TIAs were very mild -- not many symptoms except that he lost lost temporary control of one side and was unable to speak coherently. He said he just felt funny - not in control.

His symptoms were pretty much over by the time he got to the ER.

His stroke only has one lasting effect -- he salivates uncontrollably at time. Nothing that can be done after 15 years.

I do want to emphasize what I said earlier about being forceful. Many doctors and nurses care -- but many are just there because it's their job. The dedication that you used to see is just not there anymore. When it's 5pm -- it's time to go home.

You must take an interest. The worst 3 days to get sick are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. If you don't push for results -- they may let your mother lay in bed for 3 days until Monday morning or worse, send her home. Again, I'm sure there are places that are not like this -- but my experience has been if you take a very active role in your mother's health -- others will too.

You've entered a very difficult time in your life, your mother's life, and that of your siblings.

Letting your mom know that you care and that you'll be there for her will do amazing things for her .... and for you.

Best wishes.

PS: One other thing -- read as much as you can from reputable sources on the Internet. Ask questions. If you show the doctors and nurses that you're acquainted with the problem, they might try a little harder to help your mom.