Sudden Headache and Limb Numbness: Neurological Symptoms

Sudden headache with numbness, curling, and weakness in the limbs?

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 after lying down, I gradually started to recover.
Could you please explain why I suddenly experienced numbness, coldness, curled hands, and hanging legs? Thank you for your email response.

Long Er, 50~59 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/11/14

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 type of headache is typically severe and meets the following two characteristics: 1.
It occurs suddenly, reaching maximum intensity in less than one minute.
2.
It lasts from one hour to ten days, with irregular recurrences over the following weeks or months.
This requires a detailed examination by a neurologist.
The second symptom, "sudden numbness and coldness in the hands, with curled fingers and suspended feet," may be related to hyperventilation due to physical discomfort.
Hyperventilation can lead to a decrease in carbon dioxide levels in the blood, resulting in an increased pH, a condition known medically as respiratory alkalosis.
This can cause systemic reactions and symptoms, with common manifestations including vasoconstriction and decreased blood calcium levels.
Reduced blood flow to the brain due to vasoconstriction can result in dizziness, numbness (especially around the lips and upper limbs), and weakness.
In more severe cases, agitation and hallucinations may occur; decreased blood calcium can lead to muscle spasms and cramps in the hands and feet.
I recommend that you consult a neurologist to discuss examination and treatment options.
Thank you for your inquiry, and feel free to discuss any related questions further!
Wishing you good health and peace,
Dr.
Jiang Junyi, Taoyuan Medical Center

Reply Date: 2021/11/14

More Info

Your symptoms of sudden headache accompanied by limb numbness and a feeling of weakness are concerning and warrant careful consideration. The combination of a severe headache, particularly one that leads to nausea and vomiting, along with numbness and coldness in the limbs, can indicate a serious underlying neurological condition.
There are several potential explanations for your symptoms. One possibility is a migraine with aura, which can cause severe headaches and neurological symptoms, including numbness or tingling in the limbs. However, the sudden onset of these symptoms, especially if they are accompanied by significant weakness or changes in consciousness, raises the concern for more serious conditions such as a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or even a stroke.
A TIA, often referred to as a "mini-stroke," occurs when there is a temporary decrease in blood flow to the brain, leading to sudden neurological symptoms that typically resolve within 24 hours. Symptoms can include weakness, numbness, difficulty speaking, and visual disturbances. If you experience these symptoms again, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention, as they can be indicative of a stroke, which requires urgent treatment.

Another potential cause could be cervical spine issues, such as a herniated disc or cervical spondylosis, which can lead to nerve compression. This can result in pain, numbness, and weakness in the arms and legs. If there is any compression of the spinal cord or nerves, it can lead to significant neurological deficits and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Additionally, your symptoms could be related to anxiety or panic attacks, which can sometimes mimic neurological symptoms. However, given the severity of your headache and the physical symptoms you described, it is essential to rule out any serious medical conditions first.

In light of these considerations, I strongly recommend that you consult a neurologist or visit an emergency department for a thorough evaluation. Diagnostic tests such as a CT scan or MRI of the brain, as well as blood tests, may be necessary to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms. It is important not to ignore these signs, as early intervention can significantly improve outcomes in cases of serious neurological conditions.

In summary, while there are several potential explanations for your sudden headache and limb numbness, the combination of these symptoms is concerning and should be evaluated promptly by a medical professional. Please prioritize your health and seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Unexplained Neurological Symptoms: A Guide for Concerned Friends

I have a female friend who suddenly felt numbness in her arms and legs while using the restroom this morning, which then spread throughout her body, making her unable to walk. After I helped her to bed to rest, she felt a chill in her back, experienced blurred vision, was sweatin...

Dr. Du Haojie reply Neurology
Paroxysmal localized numbness or associated consciousness disturbances with blurred vision typically occur during seizures or strokes. If the duration is brief, one should also consider vasovagal syncope triggered by vagus nerve stimulation. Additionally, migraines caused by basi...

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

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 ...

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 th...

Understanding Dizziness and Headaches: Possible Neurological Conditions

Hello Dr. Jiang, I often experience a feeling of pressure at the back of my head, sudden dizziness, blurred vision, headaches, and increased sleepiness. These symptoms have been ongoing for almost two months. Could you please tell me what diseases these symptoms might indicate? T...

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Hello, based on your description, the first consideration should be the symptoms of migraine, which typically include visual disturbances. These may manifest as scintillating scotomas or flashes of light, as well as blurred or distorted vision as an aura. A few minutes after the ...

Understanding Unilateral Numbness and Headaches: When to Seek Medical Help

Hello Dr. Wu, on March 18th around 5 PM, I suddenly experienced numbness in my right calf extending to the sole of my foot, which lasted until about 9 PM. After taking a hot shower, it slightly improved. At 10 PM, I then felt numbness in my right arm extending to the outer side o...

Dr. Wu Mukhan reply Neurology
Hello, if there is sudden unilateral numbness or weakness in the limbs, it is important to be cautious about potential cerebrovascular issues (such as a stroke). If the symptoms have resolved, it is advisable to visit a neurology outpatient clinic as soon as possible; however, if...