My grandfather had a stroke and now cannot move his hand. What do we do?

1 answer | Last updated: Feb 06, 2011
Q
JoseM asked...
more
 

Caring.com User - James Castle, M.D.
Caring.com Expert
Send a Hug or Prayer
Send a Hug or Prayer
A
James Castle, M.D. is a neurologist at NorthShore University HealthSystem (affiliated with The University of Chicago) and an expert on strokes.
100% helpful

It is wonderful that he has made such a good recovery thus far.

Unfortunately, swelling in an effected limb is quite common after stroke. The tone of the small blood See also:
Is there anything that will help relieve my dad's pain after his stroke?

See all 426 questions about Stroke
vessels in the hand are not being innervated properly by the brain, and that predisposes to leaking of fluid from the blood stream into the soft tissues. The best ways to treat that are either with compression devices (in his case, a snug glove might be best) or with elevation of the hand above the level of his heart to aid in fluid drainage by gravity. I am unaware of any medications that help for this particular problem. The swelling can become painful and lead to skin breakdown if not treated.

I hope that helps, and good luck!

Was this answer helpful?
 

 
Ask a question Ask a question | Add an answer Add an answer