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wilforde Asked September 2023

Following a stroke, my wife has become mean and says awful things to me. Is this common?

Beatty Sep 2023
Some stroke survivors have changes to mood stability. Called 'emotional lability'. Can appear as big mood swings or greater highs & lows. Becoming nasty or mean may be a low mood/anger response.

While you are not responsible for these moods at all, if you see any patterns or areas that seem to cause a flare up, pay attention.

Fatigue at the end of the day is common. 'Energy conservation' is a term I've heard to avoid overloading the day.

As a new Mother I am sorry to report I was a mess of emotion, low mood & probably not sweet at all by day's end. Baby took too much brain power.

With stroke, the brain is amazing for marching on. But it does weary.

Be kind to yourselves.

RedVanAnnie Sep 2023
Stroke damage can take away the emotional "filters" people might otherwise use, the way Dementia does. Your wife may be angry and frustrated over her situation and has no subtle way of lashing out. You are the one there, so she directs her anger at you. She is more likely really angry at the whole world and at her own inability to function "normally."

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Llamalover47 Sep 2023
wilforde The loss of blood flow to the brain as a result of a cerebrovascular accident could account for this. Her neurologist could provide the best answer.

funkygrandma59 Sep 2023
Like AlvaDeer said below, perhaps it's her depression(that you have listed as one of her issues in your profile)that is causing her to be so mean.
I know that after my husband had his massive stroke his personality changed dramatically because he was also depressed. But once he was put on some anti-depressants, and started to regain some of his mobility, he went back to being more of himself though he was honestly never exactly the same of course, as a major stroke forever changes ones life, and also the lives of those of us caring for them.
I know your wife is upset and frustrated about having the stroke and not being able to go and do like she used to, and sadly when someone is upset or frustrated they tend to take it out on those they love the most, which is you.
I know it's easier said than done to not take it personally but really you must try. Just keep being the sweet loving husband that you always were and let her know that you're in it for the long haul.
God bless you.

AlvaDeer Sep 2023
It happens for certain. Discuss this with your wife's doc, Wilforde. While that won't CHANGE anything, it will help to explain it. A CVA can hit certain primitive sections of the brain responsible for our emotions. They can change personalities. Some people who never would have dreamed of using a swear-word can swear a blue streak after a CVA.

You will need to work with the doc to see if you are looking at results of the stroke versus some depression and its manifesting as anger. Sometimes a low dose anti depressant can help either one or the other. Do discuss with the MD and so sorry you are going through this; wish you the best.

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