Thanks for getting in touch with us here through Ask a Health Professional. I am sorry to hear about your partner’s stroke, this sounds like an incredibly tough time for you both. Firstly, feeling like your head is empty and struggling to think are common experiences after a stroke. Stroke is known to affect your thinking and cognition. This can include problems with your memory, orientation, attention, problem solving, judgement and insight. Things that can make this feel worse include: · Being tired, emotional, or stressed can make it harder to think clearly. · Busy or noisy environments can make it hard too. It is very hard to put a specific timeframe on possible recovery, but research now indicates the brain has the ability to change. This is called neuroplasticity and it has a big impact on our cognitive recovery after stroke. Speak with your partner’s doctor. Ask your partner to talk with his doctor about his difficulties in thinking and check in with his mood. An occupational therapist (OT) or neuropsychologist can assess your partner to determine some of his specific issues and suggest things that can help. You can obtain a referral to an OT or neuropsychologist through his GP. In the meantime, some simple strategies such as limiting noise and other distractions when your partner is trying to concentrate can help. Feelings of depression and anxiety are also common after a stroke. It is important that if your partner is experiencing depression, they can access support via a Mental Health Care Plan through his GP. This would entitle him 6 or more sessions at a Medicare rebated rate (lower out of pocket costs) for counselling. Resources Stroke Foundation thinking and perception fact sheet EnableMe resource on thinking and perception Stroke Foundation depression and anxiety after stroke fact sheet EnableMe resource on emotions ABIOS resource thinking and perception How are you going yourself? It must be difficult at times being both a carer and a partner for your loved one. It is important that you look after yourself as well and tap into various resources and support services that may be available to you. You can call Synapse Australia’s Brain Injury Organisation on 1800 673 074. This organisation has some great resources on caring with someone with a brain injury. · https://synapse.org.au/home/i-support-someone-with-a-brain-injury/ Relationships Australia may also be a valuable resource for you both when the times right-https://relationships.org.au/ | 