Temporary Numbness: Is It a Stroke Warning?

Thought I was having a stroke?

Hello, Director Wang.
My issue has occurred twice within a month.
Both times, I fell asleep while leaning back on a wooden chair, with the back of my head resting against the hard chair back.
Upon waking, I experienced numbness and swelling from the right occipital region to the top of the right trapezius muscle, but there were no abnormalities in my right limbs.
Instead, my left forearm and left palm also felt numb and swollen.
This condition lasted about 2 to 3 minutes before gradually subsiding.
During the numbness, I self-checked and found that I could raise both arms forward and to the sides without drooping or trembling, and there were no abnormalities when pointing or moving my fingers.
My face did not show any signs of asymmetry.
I am a bit confused, so I would like to ask Director Wang if this situation could be caused by pressure on certain areas, or if there might be another issue? I have often fallen asleep while leaning against a wooden chair in the past, and the worst I experienced was some soreness at the back of my head, which would go away after some movement or massage.
However, the situation I described earlier has made me somewhat worried.
I would appreciate your guidance, thank you.

Mr. Zhang, 50~59 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/06/18

Dr. Wang Zhaomin reply Rehabilitation

Numbness and swelling pain in the shoulders, neck, and limbs that resolves within a few minutes may be due to poor posture or external pressure.
As we age or due to other injuries, the body's flexibility may decrease, making it less able to withstand excessive external pressure.
Briefly resting in a reclined position on a wooden chair is generally not harmful; however, for prolonged rest or sleep, it is advisable to use cushions or supportive pillows to maintain a better posture and avoid discomfort.

Reply Date: 2019/06/18

More Info

Hello! Thank you for your question regarding the episodes of temporary numbness you've experienced. Based on your description, it sounds like you are experiencing transient numbness and tingling sensations, particularly in the right posterior head and upper trapezius area, which then radiates to the left forearm and hand. This can indeed be concerning, especially when it occurs multiple times.

Firstly, it’s important to understand that temporary numbness can have various causes, and not all of them are indicative of a serious condition like a stroke. In your case, the numbness and tingling seem to occur after sleeping in a position that puts pressure on certain areas of your body, particularly the back of your head and neck. This suggests that the symptoms may be related to nerve compression or irritation due to your sleeping posture.

When you sleep in a position that compresses the nerves in your neck or upper back, it can lead to temporary numbness or tingling in the arms and hands. This is often referred to as "positional neuropathy." The symptoms you describe, such as the numbness resolving after a few minutes and the absence of weakness or other neurological signs (like facial drooping or difficulty speaking), are reassuring. The fact that you can perform movements without any issues further supports the idea that this is likely a positional issue rather than a stroke.

However, it is essential to remain vigilant. While your symptoms may be benign, there are certain warning signs that should prompt immediate medical attention. These include:
1. Sudden onset of numbness or weakness: If the numbness occurs suddenly and is accompanied by weakness in one arm or leg, especially if it affects your face, this could be a sign of a stroke.

2. Difficulty speaking or understanding speech: If you experience confusion, difficulty speaking, or trouble understanding others, these could be signs of a stroke.

3. Severe headache: A sudden, severe headache that feels different from past headaches could indicate a serious condition.

4. Symptoms lasting longer: If the numbness lasts longer than a few minutes or if it becomes more frequent, it would be wise to consult a healthcare professional.

Given your history of sleeping in a position that may compress nerves, it might be beneficial to adjust your sleeping posture. Consider using a more supportive pillow that keeps your neck aligned with your spine, and avoid leaning against hard surfaces for extended periods. If the symptoms persist or worsen, I recommend seeking an evaluation from a neurologist or a healthcare provider who can perform a thorough examination and possibly recommend imaging studies, such as an MRI, to rule out any underlying issues.

In summary, while your symptoms may be related to positional nerve compression, it’s crucial to monitor them closely and seek medical advice if you notice any concerning changes. Taking proactive steps to improve your sleeping posture can also help alleviate these episodes. Thank you for your inquiry, and I hope this information helps clarify your concerns!

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