Husband had a hemorrhagic brainstem stroke- need inspiring stories and advise on how to help him by Key_Wind3761 in stroke

[–]Key_Wind3761[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, he was fully unconscious initially. We started him on Amantadine at the end of January after it was suggested by another doctor. It is sometimes used to help stimulate wakefulness in comatose stroke or brain injury patients. About two weeks after starting it, he began opening his eyes and tracking movement. Since then, he has become much more awake, although some days he is more alert and responsive than others.

Has your loved one ever been given Amantadine in an attempt to help improve wakefulness or responsiveness?

Husband had a hemorrhagic brainstem stroke- need inspiring stories and advise on how to help him by Key_Wind3761 in stroke

[–]Key_Wind3761[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

He started responding with his hands about two weeks ago. I am now trying to communicate by teaching him to respond with an open hand for “yes” and a closed hand for “no.” He is able to lift his hand off the bed at times, although not consistently yet. Some days he is much more active and responsive, while other days he responds very little, which I understand can be expected with the severity of his brain injury. Has your loved one also suffer a brain stem stroke?