Why Does My Wife Ask the Same Questions Over and Over?

Why Does My Wife Ask the Same Questions Over and Over?
Elaine Sherard
Question: 

My wife had a brain injury in a car crash more than 1 1/2 years ago. She gets stuck easily on a subject and asks the same thing over and over. She might ask when we’re going for a walk 20 times. I try not to get frustrated but I’ll answer her and what seems like seconds later, she’s asking me the same thing. If I get impatient, things get worse. Why does she do this and what can I do to help?

Answer: 

You are describing perseveration, which can be defined as repetitive and continuous behavior, speech or thoughts that interfere with everyday activities. After a brain injury, perseveration is often related to damage to the frontal lobes. A person may have difficulty changing topics, as you describe, or may even persist with using a strategy to solve a problem when it is clear the strategy isn’t working. This is called stuck-in-set perseveration.

This “stuckness” is often one symptom of problems with attention and memory, mental rigidity, and other cognitive skills. Anxiety can make symptoms worse. People who have had a brain injury often find changes in routines or schedules challenging.

Your wife is not perseverating on purpose. You can help by being reassuring, sticking to the same routine, and letting her know in advance of any changes. You can also try to change the subject by redirecting your wife to a new activity in another room. Because the perseveration is likely out of your wife’s control, it’s important to realize that ignoring her questions may increase the problem. If you feel the perseveration is related to anxiety, you may wish to discuss the possibility of medication with your physician. Because perseveration can be exhausting to deal with, you should also make personal time to refuel your energy and care for yourself.

 

Posted on BrainLine October 1, 2010.

About the author: Elaine Sherard

Elaine Sherard practiced as a speech-language pathologist and had various roles in the neurorehabilitation field for 25 years, including management and serving as President of the Board of Directors of the Brain Injury Association of South Carolina. She continues as a consultant in the brain injury rehabilitation field as well as advocacy endeavors.

Elaine Phillips

Comments (13)

Please remember, we are not able to give medical or legal advice. If you have medical concerns, please consult your doctor. All posted comments are the views and opinions of the poster only.

Anonymous replied on

After having brain surgery for removal of cancerous tumors, my client continuously counts. When asked if it bothers him he says yes, I want to stop. It seems like it's very exhausting for him as he does the counting under his breathe while trying to go to sleep, when doing therapy, and if startled or has urge to use the bathroom his counting gets louder, and different combinations of numbers come into play. Often it's just counting, but changes up the pace. He needs sleep, without his brain being in over drive...what can we do? He's taking Seroquel (sp), not sure if it's for this. He's also unable to eat, can't carry on conversation, and has become weak from lack of nutrients since on a PEG. Hoping Dr will change the sugary supplements for Liquid Hope, an organic FOOD. Thanks, Caregiver learning something new!

Anonymous replied on

Excellent article and great responses from the people who responded and gave more information on experiences from brain injuries.

Anonymous replied on

One way I handle this with my son is, to write the answer out on paper for him to read. It helps him a lot. And if there is a change in his daily routine I will make out a schedule of how the day is going to go. This works especially good for trips. Post it notes work best attached to his calendar.

Anonymous replied on

I would try writing some of the answers down. My husband did this for a while with the same topics over and over, so I finally wrote it all down for him. Ritalin/Concerta has also helped him tremendously with the attention span. I would ask the doctor for medicines that might help.

Anonymous replied on

My husband's accident was 16 years ago. He does the same thing. It happens a lot I try not to get frustrated. He also ask me everytime I get out of my chair where I'm going. That is the most aggrevating for me, but I often wonder does he think I'm leaving? I never would. I've loved him since I was 18 years old and I'll love him till I leave this world.

Anonymous replied on

I know someone who keeps on repeating a question or keeps on clarifying for about 2-3X on the same topic but does not have any known brain injury of any sort. What could this be?

Jeff replied on

Hi ,
My son is having the same condition you mentioned, have you found any answer yet?

Mom replied on

Maybe on autism spectrum, because perseveration is a common symptom of autism.

Brandon replied on

This is the exact question I have.

Anonymous replied on

My 9-year-old has a brain injury and does the same thing. Her perseverations can be about buying a stuffed animal, buying a new dress, going to a certain place, etc. The question I have is what can we do to discourage the perseverating? We have tried telling her that she is allowed to discuss the subject for 10 minutes, then we have to talk about other things. That works occasionally, but it can still last for days and days. Help?

Anonymous replied on

I am also a car accident survivor (going on 2yrs on Feb. 14, 2010) and have a brain injury, with my injury specifically being in my right frontal lobe. This is my first time on this amazing site and the first question/answer I read. My fiance and I read it together and were so amazed at how similar this question is to our lives together. The answer to this question was very helpful in explaining WHY I act the way I do at times. My fiance realized that when he does get impatient with me I my difficulties definitely become worse. To the writer of this question from a woman with a brain injury, I will tell you that it is extremely difficult to live with a brain injury, but also very difficult (from what I can see) to live with/love someone who has a brain injury. The key to success is patience, time, faith, support, and coping strategies. My doctors told me that my memory would not get better, but definitely has over time and my repetitive question asking has significantly decreased. Also, taking medications for my memory has helped very much. As for coping strategies with my fiance...we have been through many trials of various strategies. What works best for me is for him to touch my arm or hand and very patiently tell me that I already asked him the same question, but he will answer it again. We sometimes will write down the question and answer together. My fiance will at times jog my memory by saying something ie "Do you remember that we wrote down some information about... on the white board". As long as he is patient with me and continues to jog my memory, and I continue to work on myself by using my own coping strategies that I have learned over time, things seem to go smoothly and my cognitive skills seem to get better. GOOD LUCK with everything!!!

Anonymous replied on

It will help to develop coping strategies. For example, when she asks it the third time, answer by suggesting that she write it down on a note board. You can get white boards with double sided tape to stick to your refrigerator. This can be the place where memory issues are posted. These lists and notes can be a big help to the both of you. You may benefit from attending a brain injury support group or if there are none, a stroke or dementia/Alzheimer's support group. My father carried a note pad in his pocket and would write these things down and look at them often. My wife uses the white board for me and my mTBI/PCSs You both need help with coping strategies, work-arounds, and accommodations. Maybe you can find a copy of 365 Tips and Techniques for Living with a Brain Injury. I think you can get it on Amazon. There are other helpful books available too.

Anonymous replied on

Wonderful Article, I emailed it to my husband (as we had this topic come up this past weekend!). I also posted this on Facebook and my group for TBI's and Women. THank you!