Left side numbness, not a stroke.
 

Hi all,

My name is Mike and I am here on behalf of my 58 year old mother. Yesterday she complained of an episode where her left side (arm and leg, not face) went numb and weak but where she could still walk. A few days prior, she complained of dizziness and walking to the left for about 5 minutes.

As I was with her yesterday, I took her to the ER right away fearing a stroke. The neurologist did all the normal tests and the MRI came back that she had a minor stroke in the past (most likely before a heart repair surgery in 2010 and caused by afib) but had no new signs of stroke. No other clots in the neck, or heart that i know of and the diagnosis was basically, "we are not sure".

The doctor does not think the episode was related to a stroke or TIA but offered no alternatives to what it could have been (pinched nerve ruled out). He also said that he has seen hundreds of people with a similar episode that tests came back negative and they never really figured it out.

I was wondering if anyone else has had a similar episode or any information on what this could be. I would truly appreciate any help on the matter.

Thank you for your time,

Mike Williams

Hi Mike,

Welcome to Neurotalk. Your message has been tagged to different forums. (note on bottom of message) In the meantime, I want to offer my best wishes to your mother. It is nice of you to care for her.

My personal opinion is that she maybe having some anxiety issues. Anxiety can offten mimic other things such as stroke. dizzness, chest pain, numbness and tingling, etc.

This is just a thought. We learn from each other here, so feel free to look around at the different forums, post questions or answer questions.

Take care!

Greetings!!