My father recently suffered a stroke. Since the event two weeks ago, he has experienced lack of coordination with his right side - isolated to his right leg and arm, his face and speech were unaffected. His coordination has been improving since the event - aided by physical therapy. However, since the stroke he has had chronic hiccups that are interfering with his sleep. After a week the hiccups became painful.

When the pain became enough to cause him to complain (he typically has a high threshold of pain), he was taken to the ER and given thorazine to stop the hiccups. They stopped briefly but on the ride home they began again. I should note that he was given two doses - the amount of each I do not know, however he was 'doped' for most of the next day.

Given other concerns, the hiccups may seem minor - however as they are interfering with his ability to sleep (he is able to fall asleep when the hiccups briefly subside but wakes when they begin - usually limiting him to one to two hours of sleep at a time) I am concerned about the hiccups having a negative effect on his rehab.

My questions are:

Is there a likely relation between the stroke and the appearance of the hiccups? (he has never had anything like this happen before)

Is there a test that can determine the above?

Is there any therapy (drug or other) that could alleviate the problem?

Thank you