My mother has extreme restlessness after stroke. Is there something I can do to help?

Hi there

Thanks for posting your question. I’m so sorry to hear about your restlessness since her stroke.

Extreme restlessness can often happen after a stroke. Someone who is restless may  have trouble sitting still, may not be able to focus or think, and may be impulsive (do things without thinking). The may also seem tense and uneasy, pace or fidget.

Restlessness can be a common part of recovery from an illness or injury. The reasons behind it, and the best strategies to manage it and make sure your mum is as comfortable at home, will be individual to her. You will need professional advice on what is happening for your mum. It’s especially important to involve her doctors and allied health professionals if her restlessness is:

- Constant, unchanging or getting worse

- Causing your mother and other family members discomfort or distress.

I’m wondering if she was restless while in hospital, and how different things are now that she is home? It would be good to speak to her hospital rehabilitation team and let them know what is happening and get their point of view on possible causes, expectations and strategies. It would also be good to speak with her GP or neurologist to review her overall health. From there, you can begin to develop strategies to help your mother.

Our fact sheets might help. There's one on emotional and personality changes, treatments and strategies. Have a look at the Depression and anxiety fact sheet too - anxiety can be a cause of  restlessness and agitation.

I hope this information is helpful to you. If you would like to speak to one of our health professionals, or have any questions, please call us on StrokeLine 1800 787 653. You can also email strokeline@strokefoundation.org.au.

Warm Regards, Alicia, StrokeLine Occupational Therapist

Hi there,

Here are some comments from the Facebook community:

Cassandra: My Dad was like this, still is and it's been 5 years since his devastating Stroke. We found getting him back doing what he loved beforehand even though it was really difficult and at times challenging, but it gave him purpose and reasons to fill in his time - gardening, crosswords, music. He said his mind feels like a thousand things flashing constantly so he'd pace so doing things that required actual 'concentration' kind of forced him to stop pacing. Not sure if you own pets but Dad's dog, Lulu was and still is a very good companion and helps calm the body and in turn,the mind. Good luck 😊

Joanie: I was very anxious after my stroke and used to pace around. I was actually worried about bending my legs and sitting down, however irrational that might sound. It was a pretty traumatic experience. As long as the person isn’t in danger, let them settle but seek medical advice if you think they’re anxious or depressed. Like Cassandra says, a pet or a distraction might help. It’s hard x

Lyn: I think it's anxiety about their new 'normal' too.Whilst my Mum did'nt do this,we have gotten her into activities she can do on her own-independently.Like painting,mosaics,jigsaw puzzles,word searches(as she cannot write but can read and cross through the words).l think it makes her feel capable again.

Karen: I had a mini stroke almost 3 months ago and I still do this I’m 43 years old and I also get little nerve twitches in my leg I was told it’s normal for a while aswell as the fear of it happening again I hope this helps you

Jan: Is your Mum in her own house or living with you now? My husband was at Repat for rehab and would wander around the ward all day & night. When he got home he would bolt out the door at 3am felt he needed fresh air in the middle of winter and walk down the street in the dark, He then got extra rehab through Hampstead & was busy with OT speech pathologist & psychology. He then walked during the day for 2 - 3 hours it ride his bike which helped. He refused to see any of his friends except a couple that just called in. He still is unable to drive and is very depressed so he had to go on antidepressants which helped with his anxiety as well. It is so hard as they loose all their independence. We have dogs which help as well.

Maureen: Love and support and acceptance a day at a time

Cassandra: My Dad was like this, still is and it's been 5 years since his devastating Stroke. We found getting him back doing what he loved beforehand even though it was really difficult and at times challenging, but it gave him purpose and reasons to fill in his time - gardening, crosswords, music. He said his mind feels like a thousand things flashing constantly so he'd pace so doing things that required actual 'concentration' kind of forced him to stop pacing. Not sure if you own pets but Dad's dog, Lulu was and still is a very good companion and helps calm the body and in turn,the mind. Good luck 😊

Julie: I alternated between sleeping and manic pacing/feeling like I had to sort things out but finding it hard to concentrate. Noise and even bright sunlight made me feel overwhelmed. I was definately super anxious and depressed. Physically my mind/brain/nervous system was exhausted and I couldn't relax even while asleep. Seeing a psychologist eventually was a turning point I think the importance of this early on is often overlooked. I practiced deep breathing, read books, looked at photos of family, watched funny things, listed to low mellow music and spent time in garden. As per Maureen, love, support and acceptance of new normal.