HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Causes Pain In The Leg Radiating To The Ankle?

default
Posted on Mon, 24 Oct 2016
Question: I woke up this morning with a pain running from my left leg at ankle all the way up to the left side of my head.
It has improved somewhat but is still there mildly. I'm wondering if it has anything to do with a possible oncoming stroke. I'm 76 years old.
thank you
doctor
Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Unlikely but possible.

Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.

Stroke does not usually present with pain in the body and limbs, there can be sensation alterations but they are usually in the form of loss of sensation, numbness, not abnormal sensation such as pain. So it would be a really uncommon presentation for stroke.

However stroke presentation varies depending on the area involved. There are some rare forms (affecting an area called the thalamus) which can present with pain. For that reason it can't totally be excluded. Any alteration which involves one half of the body and face is a potential manifestation of a brain lesion.

So while I do not want to alarm you (as I said would be a really uncommon presentation) since you are at an age where there is an increased stroke risk and there are symptoms involving only one half of the body and face I believe you should be checked at the emergency room for other possible signs of stroke which you might have missed and if that is the case have brain imaging.

I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Olsi Taka

Neurologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 3673 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Causes Pain In The Leg Radiating To The Ankle?

Brief Answer: Unlikely but possible. Detailed Answer: I read your question carefully and I understand your concern. Stroke does not usually present with pain in the body and limbs, there can be sensation alterations but they are usually in the form of loss of sensation, numbness, not abnormal sensation such as pain. So it would be a really uncommon presentation for stroke. However stroke presentation varies depending on the area involved. There are some rare forms (affecting an area called the thalamus) which can present with pain. For that reason it can't totally be excluded. Any alteration which involves one half of the body and face is a potential manifestation of a brain lesion. So while I do not want to alarm you (as I said would be a really uncommon presentation) since you are at an age where there is an increased stroke risk and there are symptoms involving only one half of the body and face I believe you should be checked at the emergency room for other possible signs of stroke which you might have missed and if that is the case have brain imaging. I remain at your disposal for other questions.