Resolved question:
My sister fell June 10th and hit her head really hard. She also abuses benedryl and alcohol. She now is delusional asking for people who are dead or says she has seen someone at a nearby hospital who is in jail. She refuses to seek medical attention. Not sure what to do or what she has. Any advice would be appreciated.
Submitted:
4 Days
Category:
Neurologist, Medical
Hi,
Thank you for your query at DoctorSpring.com
I have noted your sister's symptoms and history of head injury/alcohol abuse.
In view of history of head injury, it is important to do a brain CT scan to exclude any hemorrhage/bleeding in the brain.
In view of alcohol abuse, thiamine deficiency and electrolyte imbalance should be excluded. This can be done with blood tests.
For control of her symptoms, medications such as risperidone or quetiapine tablets can help.
I know she does not like to seek medical attention; however, we need to convince her that now, it is needed.
I hope it helps.
Best wishes,
Dr. Sudhir Kumar MD (Medicine), DM (Neurology)
Senior Consultant Neurologist
I see from your response that it is medical. I have bipolar disorder. Is there any chance it could be psychological or should we proceed with the medical advice you have suggested based on her symptoms. Any idea how to get someone to go in for tests when she thinks she's OK and I know she's not?
Thank you for getting back.
The symptoms could be psychological. However, in view of history of head injury, we should not miss a bleeding in the brain.
It is alright for us to start medications (risperidone or quetiapine) for her psychological symptoms as suggested in my initial reply and convince her for CT scan of brain, only if she does not get better with them.
Best wishes,