Why is my mother so angry and abusive after her stroke?

If your mother's stroke involved the part of the brain responsible for behavior, you may be in for a rough road ahead. Generally, most of the improvement after a stroke is within the first six months, but improvement can continue for up to two years.

I'd recommend taking your mom to see a psychiatrist with experience in stroke cases before you give up hope. Your mother may be suffering from post-stroke depression or other issues that may be reversible with professional help.

While a psychiatrist may be very helpful in the case of depression, I found that a Neuropsychologist did the best for my husband. My husband's stroke was in his frontal lobe (he's amidextrous, so it really messed him up), and he has impaired judgement and impulse control difficulties. While 2 years seems to be the party line for stroke recovery - I still see changes and it's over 3 years now. Just continue to challenge the stroke patient, and the recovery will continue. Don't give up hope - just realize that your mother has changed in a way that was other than her choice.

I am a stroke survivor. Unbeknown to me I was apparently very violent towards both my husband and my son after the stroke. I had very good care both in the hospital and through the various therapists that came to my home to help me. I ended up seeing a Neuro-psychologist at some point and it did not seem to be the answer for my personal experience. My stroke affected my Frontal & Parietal lobes of my brain. Perhaps this is the difference. I am now 4 years post stroke. I still have difficulty swallowing & feeding myself (mostly due to the swallowing) and I have some trouble with my hands throwing things when I don't want them to. I find it hard to believe, I was a Physician Assistant Certified in Alaska & Pennsylvania for over 20 years and the Stroke ended that, so did the cancer that followed. I guess what I am trying to say is your Mom is in there. She will come out eventually. Everyone recovers at their own rate, some of us fully some not. But the Anger issue should dissipate with the proper treatment. You love her & she loves you. Always remember that and reinforce it. I actually got so tired of hearing my son & Hubby tell me how much they loved me but it helped me want to heal more quickly. I wish your Mom well and yourself too. I will keep you in my prayers. Know that Above any of the Physicians, Nurses, PT, OT and other specialists your Mom might see in the end it is God who can make her whole. He is still working on me ..... God Be with you both. Jade

At the young age of 59..I had a stroke..I am 61 now..it was a live changing experiance..for the better..I now enjoy all of life joys.. the changes..are .. move you body.. listing to music..calling old .. friends.. and a New grandson..I am learing to speak spanish..and Reading about new medical news about,Stroks,..Keeping encouranging your mom,,try making laugh,,give her a big kiss evey day,, and more hugs..lots of hugs..pray for her..lots..New Maxc