Latest Tips from Stroke-rehab.com

Here's the latest from the September 2013 Issue of Stroke Recovery Tips:

Emotional and Mental Changes After Stroke

Perhaps one of the hardest consequences of stroke that a family deals with is personality changes in the stroke patient. It is not uncommon for the stroke victim to become apathetic, depressed, or have frequent mood swings. Depression is by far the most common emotional change, but there are others that are equally as difficult. Below are some emotional changes that may occur with stroke:

Emotional Lability - This is characterized by mood swings and emotional responses for no apparent reason. The person may cry uncontrollably without provocation or laugh at inappropriate times. Emotional lability can be debilitating for patients because it interferes with their ability to interact with others socially. Emotional lability is not the same as depression. A stroke victim can be labile without being depressed or he or she may be afflicted with both conditions.

Depression - Due to brain injury and decline in function, it is not uncommon for the stroke patient to become depressed. If the patient has aphasia or is prone to lability, it may be difficult to determine if depression is present. Grieving due to the stroke or short term reactive depression is normal, but deeper depression may include persistence of these symptoms: Feelings of despair and hopelessness Poor appetite or increased appetite Frequent crying Excessive sleeping or not sleeping enough. Apathy toward life Increased agitation or restlessness Expression of suicidal thoughts or thoughts about dying