Brain Stroke Patients End Of Life Symptoms

When a patient suffers from a severe brain stroke, particularly in cases of large hemispheric infarction, brainstem infarction, or extensive cerebellar infarction, the condition can become life-threatening. These types of strokes often lead to critical neurological deterioration and may ultimately result in death if not managed promptly.

Common Neurological Symptoms Before Death

In the final stages, patients may exhibit a range of severe neurological symptoms. One of the most alarming signs is a decreased level of consciousness leading to coma. Pupillary abnormalities, such as unequal pupil size and dilated pupils, are frequently observed. Other symptoms include intense headaches, repeated vomiting—sometimes of coffee-ground-like material—along with central fever and respiratory dysfunction caused by damage to the brain's regulatory centers.

Motor and Ocular Signs

Patients may also show abnormal eye movements or ocular flutter, complete paralysis of all four limbs, and episodes of decerebrate rigidity, which is a sign of severe brain injury. These signs reflect extensive damage to the central nervous system and indicate a poor prognosis.

Instability Of Vital Signs

As the condition progresses, vital signs often become unstable. Irregular breathing patterns, bradycardia (slow heart rate), hypotension (low blood pressure), and falling oxygen saturation levels are common. These changes indicate the body's inability to maintain normal physiological functions due to widespread brain damage.

Respiratory Failure And Emergency Response

In some cases, patients may experience sudden respiratory arrest or periods of apnea. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate intervention, such as the administration of intravenous osmotic diuretics to reduce intracranial pressure and stabilize the patient's condition.

Understanding these symptoms is crucial for both healthcare providers and family members, as it helps in making informed decisions regarding end-of-life care and palliative support for patients suffering from severe cerebrovascular events.