Dizziness and Numbness: Neurological Concerns Explained

Dizziness and numbness in the hands?

Hello Doctor, I apologize for bothering you again.
Due to issues with my flight, my schedule has been postponed to next Wednesday (June 29).
I visited a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner on June 17, and she mentioned that the incident when the ambulance came to pick me up was a minor stroke.
She also asked if I had any numbness on my left side (which I didn't feel at the time) and said that my dizziness is a sequel of the minor stroke.
She indicated that the dizziness I experienced in February was due to damp-heat.
After returning home, on June 18, I started experiencing numbness in my left hand and left side of my face, and my left foot also began to feel numb after sitting for two to three minutes.
On the night of June 19, I underwent a sleep apnea test, and my hand numbness made it difficult to sleep.
On June 20, I had an MRI of my brain, which revealed mild narrowing of the blood vessels in the right hemisphere.
The doctor mentioned that this could be due to vascular inflammation, vasospasm, or pre-existing narrowing, but he assessed that it should not be the cause of my dizziness or sudden hand numbness.
Currently, I have some neck pain, occasional tightness and pain in the back of my head, my face is not very numb, and my hand is sometimes very numb and sometimes okay.
My doctor advised me to consult a neurologist, but in Australia, I would have to wait one to two months.
I will have to wait until next Wednesday to return to Taiwan.
Doctor, can I make an appointment at Taoyuan Hospital? I am feeling a bit worried again.
Thank you.

Alvin, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/06/24

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology

Hello, based on your description, a brain MRI can provide a wealth of imaging data and relevant information regarding a stroke.
For choosing a hospital for follow-up care, it is advisable to look for a regional hospital near your home.
Since metabolic syndrome requires long-term monitoring for management, if you live near Taoyuan Hospital, you are welcome to seek treatment here.
Our strong team in the Department of Metabolism wishes you good health and peace.
Taoyuan Hospital Neurology cares about you.

Reply Date: 2016/06/24

More Info

Dizziness and numbness can be concerning symptoms, especially when they are associated with a history of transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) or strokes. Based on your description, it seems you have been experiencing a range of neurological symptoms, including dizziness, numbness in the left side of your body, and discomfort in your neck and head. These symptoms can be indicative of various neurological conditions, and it is essential to approach them with caution.

Firstly, the term "small stroke" or TIA refers to a temporary period of symptoms similar to those of a stroke. TIAs are caused by a temporary decrease in blood supply to part of the brain, which can lead to symptoms such as numbness, weakness, and dizziness. The fact that you have experienced these symptoms, especially after a medical event that required an ambulance, raises the need for thorough evaluation and monitoring.

The MRI results indicating mild narrowing of a blood vessel in the right side of your brain could suggest several possibilities, including vascular inflammation or spasms. These conditions can lead to reduced blood flow and may contribute to the symptoms you are experiencing. It is also important to note that while the doctor mentioned that this narrowing is unlikely to be the cause of your dizziness, it is still a significant finding that warrants further investigation.

Your symptoms of left-sided numbness, particularly in the hand and face, are concerning and could be related to the vascular issues identified in your MRI. Numbness can occur due to various reasons, including nerve compression, vascular insufficiency, or neurological disorders. The fact that you are experiencing these symptoms intermittently, along with neck pain and tightness, suggests that there may be a multifactorial issue at play.

Given your situation, it is crucial to seek a consultation with a neurologist as soon as possible. Neurologists specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions related to the nervous system, including strokes, TIAs, and other neurological disorders. They can perform a comprehensive evaluation, which may include additional imaging studies, blood tests, and neurological examinations to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms.

In the meantime, it is advisable to monitor your symptoms closely. If you experience any sudden worsening of symptoms, such as severe headache, sudden confusion, difficulty speaking, or loss of coordination, you should seek immediate medical attention. These could be signs of a more serious condition that requires urgent care.

As for your question about visiting a hospital in Taiwan, if you are able to return and seek care at a facility like 桃醫 (Taoyuan Hospital), it would be a prudent choice. They can provide you with the necessary evaluations and treatments based on your current symptoms and medical history.

In summary, dizziness and numbness, especially following a potential stroke or TIA, should not be taken lightly. It is essential to follow up with a neurologist for a thorough assessment and to address any underlying vascular or neurological issues. Your health and safety are paramount, and timely medical intervention can make a significant difference in your outcomes.

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