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Can A Stroke Left Untreated For Too Long Result In Death?

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Posted on Thu, 31 Aug 2017
Question: If someone had a stroke in any form but opted to not seek help for. Whatever reason. Would that even gurantee death or is their a chance despite the duration of rejecting medical assistance, they would live but with locked in syndrome or something similar? This is just a question out of curiosity.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Only rare cases may survive without medical treatment.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.

I have read your question and understand your concerns.

It depends on the location of the stroke ( which part of brain is affected ), on extending of the stroke and overall health condition.

Only small stroke patients may survive without medical treatment, brainstem and big strokes may result fatal even with medical treatment.

Locked in syndrome results when stroke affects the anterior part of the pons ( a part of the brainstem ).

Best thing to do if a stroke is suspected is to get treated and evaluated by a Neurologist.

Hope you found answer helpful.

Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (15 minutes later)
Ah. Thank you. So victims of a big stroke will die praxtically 100 percent of the time if decide to not seek immediate treatment but a small stroke victim may live. But would the small stroke victim who doesnt seek treatment possibly undergo something like paraylsis. Locked in syndrome etc?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (11 hours later)
Brief Answer:
More or less.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.

There is no 100% when it comes to medicine, however big stroke or stroke that affects vital parts of brain eventually will result in death.

Locked in syndrome is encountered in strokes affecting anterior pons ( a part of the brainstem).

Small brainstem strokes also may result in significant paralysis.

Hope this helps.

Greetings.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho

Neurologist, Surgical

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 4493 Questions

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Can A Stroke Left Untreated For Too Long Result In Death?

Brief Answer: Only rare cases may survive without medical treatment. Detailed Answer: Hello and thanks for using HCM. I have read your question and understand your concerns. It depends on the location of the stroke ( which part of brain is affected ), on extending of the stroke and overall health condition. Only small stroke patients may survive without medical treatment, brainstem and big strokes may result fatal even with medical treatment. Locked in syndrome results when stroke affects the anterior part of the pons ( a part of the brainstem ). Best thing to do if a stroke is suspected is to get treated and evaluated by a Neurologist. Hope you found answer helpful. Take care.