Sudden Numbness and Pain: Is It a Stroke Warning?

Q: Sudden Numbness and Pain: Is It a Stroke Warning?

Hello, ma'am： Have you measured your blood pressure? "Stroke warning signs?" These are usually accompanied by elevated blood pressure. <br>"Facial dysfunction?" Facial nerve paralysis only affects the area of the facial nerve and does not cause symptoms in the limbs. <br>"Autonom

Experiencing numbness in the left side of the body, including the arms and legs, while sleeping?

I am a person who often stays up late.
Last night at 2 AM, I suddenly experienced swelling and pain on the right side of my face, near the cheek close to the ear.
Before going to bed, I noticed some slight tremors in my left hand.
Then, in the middle of the night, my entire left side went numb, and I felt a strange sensation in my left brain that I can't quite describe—it's neither pain nor pressure, but it feels like it's affecting my ear.
Closing my eyes made it even more uncomfortable.
Overall, my entire left side from head to toe felt very uncomfortable, with numbness in my hands and feet lasting over an hour, after which I couldn't fall back asleep.
Could this be a sign of a stroke, or facial nerve disorder, or is it related to the autonomic nervous system (I took medication for this a year ago but haven't taken any for a year)? What could be the cause of the sudden swelling and pain in my right face? This is purely my speculation, and I would appreciate your response, thank you.

Shan, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/06/08

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology

Hello, ma'am: Have you measured your blood pressure? "Stroke warning signs?" These are usually accompanied by elevated blood pressure.
"Facial dysfunction?" Facial nerve paralysis only affects the area of the facial nerve and does not cause symptoms in the limbs.
"Autonomic nervous system" primarily involves symptoms related to heart rate, gastrointestinal function, and sleep, and does not present with unilateral limb symptoms.
Your symptoms may need to first consider common prodromal symptoms of migraine, which include visual disturbances.
If you experience starry or lightning-like flashes of light, as well as blurred or distorted vision, these are all migraine auras.
A few minutes after the aura appears, you may feel tingling, weakness, or numbness in your face, hands, or legs.
During the attack, symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, photophobia, phonophobia, and pallor may accompany it.
After the aura disappears, you may experience severe throbbing pain on one side of your head.
These migraine symptoms typically last for several hours, and can even extend up to 2-3 days.
However, due to the weakness on the same side, brain issues may need to be considered.
If the symptoms continue to worsen, it is advisable to go to the emergency room.
If relatively stable, I recommend you visit a neurology outpatient clinic for follow-up.
Please ensure self-protection, cleanliness, and adherence to pandemic prevention measures before and after seeking medical care.
Thank you for your inquiry, and feel free to discuss any related questions! Wishing you good health and peace.
Dr.
Jiang Junyi, Department of Neurology, Taoyuan Hospital, cares for you.

Reply Date: 2021/06/08

More Info

Based on your description, the sudden onset of numbness and pain, particularly on the left side of your body, along with facial swelling and discomfort, raises several important considerations regarding your health. While I cannot provide a definitive diagnosis without a thorough examination, I can outline some potential concerns and recommend steps you should take.

Firstly, the symptoms you describe—specifically the sudden numbness in your left arm and the strange sensations in your left side—could indeed be indicative of a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke. A TIA is often referred to as a "mini-stroke" and can present with similar symptoms to a full-blown stroke, but the symptoms typically resolve within a few minutes to hours. The fact that your symptoms lasted for over an hour is concerning and warrants immediate medical attention.

In addition to the possibility of a stroke or TIA, the sudden swelling and pain in your right cheek could suggest a few other conditions. One possibility is a condition known as Bell's palsy, which causes sudden, temporary weakness or paralysis of the muscles on one side of the face. This could explain the facial swelling and discomfort, particularly if you are experiencing any changes in your ability to close your eye or smile on that side.
Another consideration is the potential for a neurological issue related to your autonomic nervous system, especially since you mentioned a history of taking medication for autonomic dysregulation. Symptoms such as facial swelling and unilateral numbness could be linked to dysregulation of the nervous system, which can occur in various conditions, including anxiety disorders.

Given your symptoms, it is crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible. A healthcare provider will likely perform a neurological examination and may order imaging studies, such as a CT scan or MRI of the brain, to rule out any acute issues like a stroke or other neurological conditions. Blood tests may also be conducted to check for any underlying issues that could contribute to your symptoms.

In the meantime, it is essential to monitor your symptoms closely. If you experience any worsening of your condition, such as increased weakness, difficulty speaking, or changes in vision, you should seek emergency medical care immediately.
In summary, while your symptoms could be related to various conditions, including a stroke or Bell's palsy, it is imperative to consult with a healthcare professional promptly. Early intervention is critical in managing potential neurological issues effectively. Please take care of yourself and prioritize seeking medical attention.

Similar Q&A

Sudden Headache and Limb Numbness: Understanding Neurological Symptoms

I experienced a sharp pain at the top of my head that made me vomit, followed by numbness in my limbs (including my abdomen) that progressively worsened. My hands felt cold and curled up, and I had a sensation of weakness with my legs hanging. My family massaged my hands, and aft...

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Dear Miss Long, The symptoms you mentioned may need to be considered in two parts. The first symptom, "sharp pain at the top of the head leading to vomiting," should raise concerns about headache related to cerebrovascular diseases, such as thunderclap headache. This t...

Recognizing Warning Signs of a Mini-Stroke: What You Need to Know

Recently, I have not been feeling well. I noticed that you mentioned the symptoms of a transient ischemic attack (TIA): sudden speech difficulties, blurred vision, transient localized numbness or weakness in limbs, dizziness, unsteady gait, confusion, high blood pressure, and cho...

Dr. Lin Zijing reply Neurology
A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is caused by a sudden blockage or rupture of small blood vessels, resulting in the following symptoms that occur abruptly (one moment the individual is fine, and the next moment symptoms are evident): 1. Numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or ...

Understanding Numbness and Weakness After Ischemic Stroke: Guidance Needed

Hello, Dr. Gao. I was hospitalized for 11 days over the past 100 years due to numbness on the left side of my body, from my foot to my mouth. I went to the emergency room and was admitted. Upon discharge, the doctor diagnosed me with an ischemic stroke and hyperlipidemia. I was o...

Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology
The symptoms are more indicative of a transient ischemic attack (TIA), which is a warning sign and precursor to a stroke. Fortunately, the blood vessel was only temporarily blocked, and the thrombus dissolved on its own, preventing a full-blown stroke. It is important to see a ne...

Understanding Sudden Limb Numbness: Is It a Stroke?

Hello Director Chen! I consulted you about the same issue last Sunday (10/8), but I haven't received a response yet. I'm not sure if my email got lost. I apologize for that! I really want to know your expert opinion, so I'm sending it again! The question is: With t...

Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
(1) It may be due to poor circulation; wearing socks and long sleeves while sleeping, keeping warm, and soaking your feet before bed can help. (2) Calcium deficiency can also worsen the condition; drinking warm milk before bed may be beneficial. (3) Nerve root compression in the ...