Illness mimicking a stroke - Stroke Message Board

cin66 · 07-11-2004, 07:36 AM

Hi, my aunt has been placed into hospital with the physical symptoms of a severe stroke - however she did not have one?????? She has (in the past 2 days) lost all control of her movements, lost her sight, cannot talk at all, does not recognize anybodys voice etc. She just seems oblivious to everything and everyone around her. She is constantly just putting her finger in and out of her mouth - as if eating. She has been catherterized and the docs have no idea what is going on. She has been under a bit of stress lately, and we don't know if it could be a nervous breakdown that has gone terribly wrong, or what it is. Most physical symptoms point to a stroke - does anyone know of a differing diagnosis. She is in her mid 50s, always been fairly happy and healthy. The entire family would appreciate any insight to this. Thanx in advance.

cin66 · 07-12-2004, 05:41 AM

Well we now have the answers to my question. So it may assist others that need to know. Earlier today they said my aunt had a 'blood clot' in the brain, but later this afternoon, after further investigation at a bigger and better hospital she has been diagnosed with a viral infection of the brain called HSV 1 Encephalitis. She is currently in an induced coma in intensive care. The prognosis is not fantastic but with the right treatment hopefully she will survive it and get away with minimal permanent brain damage, however some form of brain damage is inevitable at this stage so it is now a wait and see game. Thanx for taking the time to read this bit of info. Take Care all.

Cindy