31 year old male stroke victim?

Question

My boyfriend is 31 years old, in good shape, works out, etc. Smokes a little and drinks maybe on the weekends. Last Wednesday he had a massive stroke, his left side of his brain was effected. They had to remove a huge part of his skull to allow for the swelling. Now he knows what is going on, nods his head when we ask questions but cannot speak. Any ideas on how to help him communicate with us besides just yes and no questions. He is obviously frustrated and I am just looking for any ideas someone may have. Thanks ....

Answer 1

Wow, I'm so sorry you are going through this...

Answer 2

How awful for him and anyone who cares about him! Recovery from stroke is slow and varies a lot from person to person, and you may not have much of an idea how much recovery is possible for some weeks.

If he can write, that is ideal for communicating, but that's not too likely. He might be able to communicate by pointing to pictures. Bring pictures of people, pets, and objects. Once he has shown an interest in a subject -- say, a picture of his sister -- then ask leading questions or tell him what you think he might want to know. Say something like "Your sister is arriving on Saturday to visit you. She had to arrange for somebody to take care of the kids before she could come. She calls four times a day and sends you her love. Is that what you wanted to know?"

I wish him and you the very best. Do stay with him, talk to him, even read to him. The stimulation of hearing voices may play a role in recovery, although there is no way to be sure. Ask him if he wants to listen to the radio or TV -- don't assume that you have the right station -- ask. The more control over his envirionment he can have, the less frustrated he will be. But being unable to speak is inherently frustrating!

Later he may be able to type on a keyboard, which has meant a return to real communication for many stroke victims. But he probably is not ready for that yet. If he has some use of his hands but not enough fine motor coordination for typing or writing yet, get a Ouija Board and let him spell out words on that. It's slow, but it's easier to use than other ways of "writing," and it gets him using the verbal part of his brain.

If none of this works, just sit beside him and tell him you love him!

Answer 3

Time and therapy. I'm really sorry to hear about your situation. I am 31 and have a condition that puts me at very high risk for stroke (most ppl that have strokes this young have this condition). My grandpa had one and I think it has to be one of the worst things that can happen, especially a massive stroke. He may seem super emotional too (a lot of crying), this is normal after a stroke.

Answer 4

Sometimes lack of sex drive can be related to medication side effects or even to illness. If he never had a sex drive in his life that's less likely. But if it changed along the line he may get help by getting a checkup and discussing this problem with the doctor. It could be a sign of high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes that has not been diagnosed yet. It's crucial that he rules out such things with his physician because they are easily treated but left untreated they can kill.

Answer 5

The part of the brain responsible for speech and language is known as Broca's area. It is usually on the left side. Unfortunately there is no perfect way to predict how much recovery a stroke victim will have, but you should remain optimistic. At the appropriate time, the doctor will recommend speech therapy. For now, tincture of time and elixir of patience.

Answer 6

He needs time, for the swelling to go down, and the healing to proceed.

Because he is so young, he may stand a better chance for a full recovery.

All you and his family can do is be there for him, and reassure him that he will be OK.

God bless,

Answer 7

have you tried to get him to write it down on paper that sometime help..