Post-Car Accident Neurological Symptoms: Right-Sided Paralysis - Neurosurgery

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Localized paralysis in the brain after a car accident?


I had a car accident on November 16th of last year, during which I fractured my foot.
My head did not hit anything at the time, but now that my foot has healed, I am experiencing numbness on the right side of my head and complete numbness of my tongue.
What could be the reason for this?

Shane, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/02/01

Dr. Zhang Junwei reply Neurosurgery


It is recommended to undergo a detailed examination by a neurologist or neurosurgeon!

Reply Date: 2016/02/01

More Info


After a car accident, experiencing neurological symptoms such as right-sided paralysis and tongue numbness can be concerning and warrants careful evaluation. Given that your head did not directly impact during the accident, it is crucial to consider other potential causes for these symptoms.

Firstly, the right-sided paralysis and numbness of the tongue may indicate a neurological issue that could be related to the brain or the nervous system. The brain is divided into two hemispheres, with the left hemisphere controlling the right side of the body and vice versa. If there is any damage or disruption to the pathways that connect the brain to the body, it can result in symptoms like paralysis or numbness on one side.

One possible explanation for your symptoms could be a condition known as a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), which occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted. This can lead to sudden weakness, numbness, or paralysis on one side of the body, as well as speech difficulties, including numbness of the tongue. Although you mentioned that your head did not hit anything during the accident, it is still possible for a stroke to occur due to other factors such as stress, blood pressure changes, or even underlying health conditions.

Another possibility is that you may be experiencing post-traumatic neurological symptoms. Even if there was no direct head trauma, the body can still undergo significant stress during a car accident, which may lead to inflammation or other changes in the brain. This can result in symptoms similar to those seen in conditions like post-concussion syndrome, where individuals experience cognitive and physical symptoms following a head injury.

It is also important to consider the possibility of nerve compression or injury. The impact of the accident could have caused misalignment or injury to the cervical spine (the neck region), which can lead to nerve compression. This compression can result in symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms, legs, or even the tongue.

Given the complexity of your symptoms, it is essential to seek medical attention from a healthcare professional, preferably a neurologist. They can perform a thorough evaluation, including a physical examination and possibly imaging studies such as an MRI or CT scan, to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial in managing neurological symptoms effectively.

In the meantime, it is advisable to monitor your symptoms closely. If you experience any sudden changes, such as increased weakness, difficulty speaking, or severe headaches, seek emergency medical care immediately. These could be signs of a more serious condition that requires urgent attention.

In summary, while your symptoms may be distressing, they can arise from various causes, including neurological issues related to the brain or nerve compression. A thorough evaluation by a medical professional is necessary to determine the exact cause and appropriate treatment plan. Remember, timely intervention can significantly improve outcomes in neurological conditions.

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