Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
Stroke On Left Side Of Brain, Breathing Via Tube, Slim Chances Of Survival, Swollen Tongue And Mouth, Reason For Not Breathing ?
My mother just had a massive stroke affecting the left side of her brain . She is currently breathing via a tube and the doctors say that unless she can breath on her own, they don t like her chances of survival. Her tongue and mouth are swollen and I feel that this is the reason why she cannot breath on her own. Is this right?
Thu, 24 May 2012
Hi,
Welcome to HealthcareMagic forum.
Brain functions are important to maintain ventilatory drive. This is what drives the person to breathe. Besides a proper and full consciousness also assists in proper breathing functions.
In a patient with massive stroke as both consciousness is impaired and ventilatory drive is reduces, this hinders breathing and efforts to breath; hence the mechanical/artificial ventilation. Swollen mouth/tongue has no significant functions to increase breathing activity. It can only cause obstruction which can be easily corrected by mouth gag's or head end elevation when there is an actual breathing effort.
I am sorry for your mother's suffering.
We all wish your mother recovers soon. Yet, based on what you say, the prognosis is guarded.
Regards
Welcome to HealthcareMagic forum.
Brain functions are important to maintain ventilatory drive. This is what drives the person to breathe. Besides a proper and full consciousness also assists in proper breathing functions.
In a patient with massive stroke as both consciousness is impaired and ventilatory drive is reduces, this hinders breathing and efforts to breath; hence the mechanical/artificial ventilation. Swollen mouth/tongue has no significant functions to increase breathing activity. It can only cause obstruction which can be easily corrected by mouth gag's or head end elevation when there is an actual breathing effort.
I am sorry for your mother's suffering.
We all wish your mother recovers soon. Yet, based on what you say, the prognosis is guarded.
Regards
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Recent questions on Halitosis
Loading Online Doctors....