Is it normal to experience a "drunk" like feeling after my stroke. It effects me daily, but is somewhat better in the evening. I've been told this should go away, but how long does it take to resolve? and is there anything I can do to relieve it.

Hi Sofia,

Thanks for contacting us via EnableMe.

Firstly, we would recommend you speaking with your GP or neurologist for advice as we are unable to give medical advice. They will assess a range of things, including reviewing your medications to ensure this isn’t a side effect of one or more of the medications you’re taking.

Depending on the location of your stroke the feeling you have described could be due to dizziness or balance issues relating to your stroke and you may also benefit from a follow-up with your physiotherapist. Some stroke survivors also describe ‘brain fog’ or cognitive fatigue. You can read more about this here.

If you’re experiencing any signs of stroke, we strongly recommend you call 000.

https://strokefoundation.org.au/About-Stroke/Stroke-symptoms

You’re welcome to contact us on StrokeLine if you wish to discuss in more detail.

We are available 9am-5pm AEST Monday-Friday.

Best wishes,

Maddy (StrokeLine)

Hi Sofia

With damage to the posterior artery that supplies the cerebellum which is the balance centre of the brain it is normal to feel a drunk feeling. I suggest you consult your neurologist and the good news is that according to you in your case it is not expected to last.

i have been able to access help of a physiotherapist who specializes in neurology by referral from a public hospital based physiotherapist called community physiotherapy for free (10 weeks twice a week). Now I plan to go back to a normal gym on a GP Health Care Plan and use my private health insurance when the GP Plan runs out.

Neuroplasticity is the buzz word and I practice my balance exercises at home.

Other suggestions that I saw on Enable Me that looked promising were tai chi for brain injury, table tennis and swimming initially with flippers to build up endurance, and I have deep water jogged. Walking in the pool felt normal probably due to the buoncy of the water. But I was supervised in the water by my wife in case there was an accident and checked it out with my GP first.

I adhere to my medication as am aware that drug reactions can occur and check out with the GP first if I took any supplements

Also the Occupational Therapist suggested I keep a diary and record three good things that have happened each day and this has  helped me keep my spirits up.

I suggest you contact Enable Me and ask them about the services in your area that appeal to you and they may be able to direct you to the relevant agencies.

It can be very confusing at first and I was perplexed about what to do.

All the best 

Ian

Hi Sophia,

Here are a number of comments from Facebook: 

Steve: Its linked to chronic fatigue. You are now consciously processing sensory input that previously you were doing subconsciously. I recognized the pattern in myself and used exposure to situations where my brain could relearn to filter out the input. I still have problems 5yrs on but i know my limits in most situations and where my current fatigue level is to decide if i can safely proceed or not. Pushing it can cause a blackout. So work with your brain and body and thats where progress is made as it wont heal or go away on its own.

Raya: I'm a few years post my last TIA, and I still get this at times. Usually when I'm overly tired. It's frustrating.

Craig: I am 7 years post-stroke, and as a result, I have been diagnosed with Vascular Dementia, but I still get both light headed and dizzy.

Katie: Tiredness affects it more I’m ten years post massive stroke and I still get it if I don’t manage my energy, I wish you all the best in your recover

Linda: For me it has eased slightly and now I feel more like I'm "hungover" and not so much "drunk". I'm close to 3 years since my accident and find things have now stabilised. Hang in there.

Karen: Oh, I'm so relieved nearly 6 yrs post stroke and it still happens, especially when I'm getting tired, thought it was just me

Glenis: Yes one word FATIGUE! If I manage my fatigue I can manage what symptoms surface because of fatigue.

Hi Sofia,

I had a stroke in August 2022 and a stroke before that (unknown date and only realised after MRI). After my stroke in August, I felt drunk and out of sorts. I was told by several health care people that recovery time can vary person to person. I don't feel back to how I was. I have better days and not so good days. I generally feel more fatigued and find myself hitting objects as I walk past, such as corners and walls. I also feel my judgement a bit out - eg. when I put an item back into the cupboard, I might hit the shelf by a millimetre or 2. MY reactions still seem to be good.