How do I encourage my mother to do her physical therapy after her stroke?

A fellow caregiver asked...

My mum just had a stroke and she is paralyse on her right side.Is there any way that we can encourage her, she is almost giving up. She always say it is no use she will never recover the use of her right limbs.All her children and grandchildren are all very supporting and encouraging but to no avail.

Expert Answer

James Castle, M.D. is a neurologist at NorthShore University HealthSystem (affiliated with The University of Chicago) and an expert on strokes.

I think it is very likely that your mother is suffering from post-stroke depression, a very common problem. Post-stroke depression has a very bad impact on outcome after a stroke. It is crucial to her recovery that she participate actively in rehabilitation exercise, and the sooner, the better.

I would talk to her doctor, and even a Psychiatrist if needed, about getting this treated right away. An anti-depressant may be extremely effective. There have even been some recent studies out of France indicating that the anti-depressant fluoxetine helps aid the muscle recovery after stroke by it's ability to increase Serotonin levels in the recovering brain. Therefore, for several reasons, I would highly recommend trying one of those right away, and continue the strong encouragement.

Good luck!