When would you generally expect ongoing nausea and vomiting to subside after an intracranial haemorrhage? Im 5 weeks post bleed now and still struggling to eat or drink much of anything.

Hello Em 

I am sorry to hear what has been happening for you since your stroke.  Ongoing nausea and vomiting can be terribly difficult to manage and must be awful for you to experience.

It can be difficult to say how long you will feel like this as every stroke is different and everyone responds differently after a stroke.

Have you been to your GP to let them know how you are feeling. It is important that you are getting adequate nutrition and hydration as you are recovering.  There might be some medications that can help with better managing the nausea.  The nausea may also be related to any new medications you have been prescribed, so it would also be good to raise this with your GP to rule out any other causes.

It might also be helpful to see your GP to talk about a chronic conditions management treatment plan for a review by a dietitian. If you are eligible for the chronic conditions care plan you can access up to 5 sessions of allied health therapy, such as a Dietitian or your current Physiotherapist, for a Medicare rebated rate over a 12 month period. A Dietitian can look at your diet and help ensure you are taking in enough nutrition to keep you as healthy as possible, and perhaps look at supplements if there is anything lacking. They can also look at supplements to help with taking in adequate nutrition when feeling unwell.

Are you experiencing  any dizziness or balance issues along with the nausea? Dizziness can also cause nausea, so if this is the case, mentioning this to your current physio could be helpful. You night also like to discuss seeing a vestibular Physio as they specialise in working with people who are experiencing balance issue or dizziness, especially after experiencing a stroke.  They can assist you with exercises that may help manage the dizziness and reduce your nausea if this is the case.

Do feel free to reach out to us here at StrokeLine on Ph 1800 787 653, or on email at strokeline@strokefoundation.org.au. We are available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm AEST and would be happy to talk with you in more detail about everything you are going through.

Warm regards

Siobhan (StrokeLine)