Is it common that the responsiveness and communication 'come and go' with stroke victims?

Being a survivor of three strokes myself, I can say that in my situation it depends on how active my previous day was. I also suffer TIA'S which also leave me with good days and bad. You definitley have to consult your/her neurologist on this one simply because I'm not a doctor and there may be the possibility that something else is going on. I wish both of you the best of luck and hope to hear good news.

My husband had a stoke and when he doesn't feel good, his aphasia gets worse. When he is actually sick, he won't try at all unless he really wants something. Decreased communication might be your first clue that there's something happening with her health.

Some drugs can have that effect. Check whether she recently changed meds.

I see that this was posted back in July but it sounds like my experiences with my MIL. My MIL's situation started with a series of "mini-strokes". At first she would have what I called blank out moments. 3 years later - she has periods of "good" cognitive moments, then nothing seemed to "get through". Then there are those in between when she seemed to get it but we could figure out how to communicate (she stutters, uses the wrong words, or seems fine but didn't understand). I found a new neurologist to help us. He said this was common with her diagnosis. (I also loved how he explained it!) He explained sometimes the windows are open and things pass through both ways easily; other times the windows are closed. As with most homes sometimes you only open some windows, sometimes you only open them a little it varies with all of us. Sadly as time progresses (with her dementia) they will stop opening all the way. Then not at all. It's heart breaking but really helps me when I'm caring for her. When we're having issues I try to find which "Window" is open and communicate with her through it.

Did I explain that clearly? Right?

suky888,

Stroke is all-too-common in elderly people and the population in general. In fact, stroke is the leading cause of long-term disability and the third leading cause of death, according to the National Stroke Association.

I am not sure if responsiveness and communication 'come and go' with stroke victims. You might want to talk to a doctor about that as well as consider Rehabilitation for your mother. I have included 2 articles on stroke and rehabilitation that should help give you some insight.

Rehabilitation Centers for Elderly Stroke Victims
https://www.agingcare.com/articles/rehabilitation-center-elderly-stroke-victim-138339.htm

Stroke Victims: Why Rehabilitation Makes Life Easier
https://www.agingcare.com/articles/stroke-victim-rehabilitation-recovery-142560.htm

Hope this helps :)
Karie H.
AgingCare.com Team