Chronic Hiccups After Stroke Posted: 04-05-07 00:47am
My father recently suffered a stroke.
Since the event two weeks ago, he has
experienced lack of coordination with his
right side - isolated to his right leg and
arm, his face and speech were unaffected.
His coordination has been improving since
the event - aided by physical therapy.
However, since the stroke he has had
chronic hiccups that are interfering with
his sleep. After a week the hiccups became
painful.
When the pain became enough to cause him
to complain (he typically has a high
threshold of pain), he was taken to the ER
and given thorazine to stop the hiccups.
They stopped briefly but on the ride home
they began again. I should note that he
was given two doses - the amount of each I
do not know, however he was 'doped' for
most of the next day.
Given other concerns, the hiccups may seem
minor - however as they are interfering
with his ability to sleep (he is able to
fall asleep when the hiccups briefly
subside but wakes when they begin -
usually limiting him to one to two hours
of sleep at a time) I am concerned about
the hiccups having a negative effect on
his rehab.
My questions are:
Is there a likely relation between the
stroke and the appearance of the hiccups?
(he has never had anything like this
happen before)
Is there a test that can determine the
above?
Is there any therapy (drug or other) that
could alleviate the problem?
Thank you
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stormyf2
Supporter
Joined: 16 Mar 2006 Posts: 146 Location: Canada
Posted: 04-05-07 03:35am
im very sorry to hear this happened to
your father!As for the hiccups, i have
seen this before , as im am a nurse that
works with post stroke patients from time
to time, yes i do believe there is a drug
that your father can take at home to help
with these hiccups! on prescription from
your doctor only. These hiccups may lesson
in time...... see your doctor and inform
him of what is going on, and that u have
been to the ER for this, good luck and
stay positive!!!!!
