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What Causes Locked Arm While Sleeping Post Suffering From Stroke?

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Posted on Tue, 16 Sep 2014
Question: I suffered a stroke about a year ago. I have recovered pretty well, but at night, I manage about 90 mins sleep before I wake up with a locked left arm. When I try to move it, I get an electric shock type pain, which lasts for just about 3 seconds. I then try to sleep again, but the whole process repeats after another 90 minutes. I have been given various sleeping tablets and gabapentine, but nothing really helps. The longer I sleep artificially, the more pain I have when I awake. I am 73 years old and normal wait and in general good health, other than the stroke affecting my left hand dexterity.
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Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Pregabalin and duloxetine are alternatives.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for posting your query.

Your symptoms are suggestive of neuropathic pain.

Gabapentin is a good drug for treating the same. If you do not have adequate relief of symptoms with gabapentin, then, you can use pregabalin or duloxetine capsules.

I hope my answer helps. Please get back if you have any follow up queries or if you require any additional information.

Wishing you good health,

Dr Sudhir Kumar MD (Internal Medicine), DM (Neurology) XXXXXXX Consultant Neurologist
Apollo Hospitals, XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
Click on this link to ask me a DIRECT QUERY: http://bit.ly/Dr-Sudhir-kumar

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Sudhir Kumar (5 hours later)
thank you for your reply. Can you tell me why I can only sleep for about 90 minutes before I awake? I only have pain for the immediate few seconds after I wake up.

doctor
Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Neuropathic pain can repeat at intervals.

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for getting back.

Nerve-related (neuropathic) pain of central (brain) origin can repeat at intervals. In your case, it repeats at 90 minute intervals, which wake you up from sleep.

Best wishes,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology)
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Answered by
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Dr. Sudhir Kumar

Neurologist

Practicing since :1994

Answered : 6232 Questions

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What Causes Locked Arm While Sleeping Post Suffering From Stroke?

Brief Answer: Pregabalin and duloxetine are alternatives. Detailed Answer: Hi, Thank you for posting your query. Your symptoms are suggestive of neuropathic pain. Gabapentin is a good drug for treating the same. If you do not have adequate relief of symptoms with gabapentin, then, you can use pregabalin or duloxetine capsules. I hope my answer helps. Please get back if you have any follow up queries or if you require any additional information. Wishing you good health, Dr Sudhir Kumar MD (Internal Medicine), DM (Neurology) XXXXXXX Consultant Neurologist Apollo Hospitals, XXXXXXX XXXXXXX Click on this link to ask me a DIRECT QUERY: http://bit.ly/Dr-Sudhir-kumar