Post-Stroke Language Issues: and Managing Cognitive Changes

excuse me?

One month after a mild brain hemorrhage, my 70-year-old mother, who lives in southern Taiwan, has been experiencing difficulty in articulating her thoughts and has been repeating questions.
In mid-January, during a cold spell, she suffered a mild brain hemorrhage.
Currently, she is undergoing rehabilitation for weakness in her right hand and leg, but she is able to walk and navigate stairs, and her consciousness and language responses remain normal.
However, a few days ago (mid-February, the sixth day of the Lunar New Year), as the weather turned cold again, she began to exhibit symptoms of being unable to express herself fully and repeating the same questions (she can still walk and navigate stairs).

I would like to ask:
1.
What could be the reason for this? How should we address it?
2.
Will her language expression and memory improve once the weather warms up? (She is currently taking a green medication prescribed by a neurologist to promote brain circulation, and she is undergoing rehabilitation for her right hand and leg, which includes physical therapy, occupational therapy, acupuncture, and electrical stimulation.) Thank you for your time in responding!

yh, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2010/02/23

Dr. Lin Zijing reply Neurology

It is recommended that you take your mother back to the neurology outpatient clinic for a neurological examination, as her inability to provide complete responses and the repetition of the same questions may indicate an issue with the language area in the left hemisphere of the brain.

Reply Date: 2010/02/23

More Info

Post-stroke cognitive changes, particularly in language and memory, can be concerning for both patients and their families. In your mother's case, experiencing difficulty in coherent speech and repetitive questioning after a mild stroke is not uncommon. These symptoms may indicate a condition known as aphasia, which is a communication disorder that affects a person's ability to process and use language. Aphasia can manifest in various forms, including expressive aphasia (difficulty in speaking) and receptive aphasia (difficulty in understanding language).

1. Why is this happening?
After a stroke, the brain undergoes a healing process, which can sometimes lead to temporary or permanent changes in cognitive function. The brain regions responsible for language, particularly in the left hemisphere (Broca's area and Wernicke's area), may be affected by the stroke. Even if the stroke was mild, it can still disrupt neural pathways that facilitate communication. The fact that your mother can still walk and has normal awareness suggests that her overall cognitive function is intact, but specific language processing areas may be compromised. Additionally, environmental factors such as changes in weather can influence mood and cognitive function, potentially exacerbating symptoms.

2. How to manage these issues?
Managing post-stroke cognitive changes involves a multi-faceted approach. Here are some strategies that may help:
- Speech Therapy: Engaging a speech-language pathologist can be crucial. They can provide tailored exercises to improve language skills and communication strategies.

- Cognitive Rehabilitation: This may include activities designed to enhance memory and cognitive processing. Techniques can be introduced to help your mother articulate her thoughts more clearly.

- Routine and Structure: Establishing a daily routine can help reduce confusion. Consistency in daily activities can provide a sense of stability and predictability.

- Patience and Support: Family members should practice patience and provide emotional support. Encouraging your mother to express herself without pressure can help reduce anxiety associated with communication.

- Medication: Continue with the prescribed medications that promote brain circulation. Discuss with her neurologist if any adjustments are needed based on her current symptoms.

3. Will her language and memory return to normal with warmer weather?
While environmental factors like temperature can influence mood and cognitive function, recovery from post-stroke symptoms is more complex. The healing process can take time, and improvements may be gradual. Some patients experience significant recovery within weeks or months, while others may take longer. It is essential to maintain realistic expectations and focus on incremental progress. Regular follow-ups with her healthcare providers will help monitor her recovery and make necessary adjustments to her treatment plan.

In conclusion, your mother’s symptoms following her mild stroke are not uncommon, and with appropriate intervention, there is potential for improvement. Engaging with healthcare professionals, particularly in speech therapy and cognitive rehabilitation, will be vital in supporting her recovery journey. Encourage her to participate actively in her rehabilitation process, and ensure that she has a supportive environment to facilitate her recovery.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Stroke Rehabilitation: Addressing Communication Challenges

Hello, Director Chen! My father is 72 years old and has been in declining health since undergoing gastric surgery three years ago. He had a stroke a year ago and has been receiving rehabilitation therapy daily. He seems to be irritable, speaks less, and sometimes refuses to inter...

Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello: Regarding your inquiry, I would like to provide some explanations and suggestions: 1. A stroke affecting the frontal lobe of the brain often leads to emotional changes; if the language center is affected, it can result in aphasia, which may manifest as difficulty in unders...

Struggling to Communicate: Understanding Cognitive Issues After Head Injury

Hello, Doctor. About eight years ago, I lost consciousness suddenly while getting off a bus and fell to the ground, hitting my forehead against a parked motorcycle. I regained consciousness immediately but did not seek medical attention right away. The next day, due to a headache...

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Hello, Miss: You mentioned that you are becoming increasingly forgetful, such as opening the refrigerator and suddenly forgetting what you were going to get, or switching tabs on your phone and forgetting what you were just about to do. Since this has already affected your daily ...

Understanding Language Barriers: Possible Neurological Issues Explained

Hello doctor, my friend suddenly exhibited unusual symptoms a few days ago. He couldn't understand what was being said to him, his responses were off-topic, and his gaze and mental state seemed somewhat scattered. After a few days, his gaze has mostly returned to normal, but...

Dr. Ye Boshou reply Neurology
There may be signs of a brain condition in the language area along with facial asymmetry. Please seek immediate consultation at a neurology clinic, as this could be indicative of a stroke or other neurological issues.

Understanding Language Expression Difficulties: When Thoughts and Words Diverge

Dear Dr. Peng, Thank you for taking the time to read and respond to my questions. Recently, I have noticed that while I have no difficulty in expressing sentences or maintaining fluency while speaking, there are instances where the words I say do not match what I intend to conve...

Dr. Peng Shiwei reply Neurology
Hello, your symptoms are consistent with a speech disorder. It is recommended that you seek a consultation with a neurologist as soon as possible to rule out any brain lesions. Thank you for your inquiry.