Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Weakness On Right Side Of Body And Restricted Movement?
Question: Hello Doctor,
My mother (54 year old) has experienced her right side of his body (leg+arm) to become very weak and unable to do movements. She also has problem to keep her balance. Her speech and vision are ok. She has been like that for around 4 days.
Initially, one doctor in emergency (the last week) thought it was "stress" and prescribed her "lorezepan" for the anxiety 0.5MG.
Two days ago, another doctor in a regular appointment prescribed her a double dosis (1MG) of the same medicine + baby aspirin . She will have a test tomorrow to eliminate the possibility of a stroke, the doctor thinks this is not a stroke however.
Before happening this, she has a strong temperament and uses to overworry about everything and want to control everything. It is clear that she was subject to some type of stress but we dont know if this is the only source of the problem.
What do you think?
My mother (54 year old) has experienced her right side of his body (leg+arm) to become very weak and unable to do movements. She also has problem to keep her balance. Her speech and vision are ok. She has been like that for around 4 days.
Initially, one doctor in emergency (the last week) thought it was "stress" and prescribed her "lorezepan" for the anxiety 0.5MG.
Two days ago, another doctor in a regular appointment prescribed her a double dosis (1MG) of the same medicine + baby aspirin . She will have a test tomorrow to eliminate the possibility of a stroke, the doctor thinks this is not a stroke however.
Before happening this, she has a strong temperament and uses to overworry about everything and want to control everything. It is clear that she was subject to some type of stress but we dont know if this is the only source of the problem.
What do you think?
Brief Answer:
Stroke must be excluded by brain imaging.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question and I understand your concern.
It is true that anxiety can have many different sorts of manifestations and could be the case. However weakness of the limbs on one side is the most common manifestation. Balance issues as well although not that specific as it could have many causes.
Because that symptom is the most common manifestation of a stroke and stroke is a serious medical emergency I believe before reaching to an anxiety conclusion brain imaging tests must be done by all means, I think that should have been done already. It is too serious a possibility to be taking chances. I am sure ER doctors know that as it is a common issue they deal with. I suppose they have their reasons, there must have been indications on their exam which make them think it unlikely, but I still maintain brain imaging must be made to rule it out, preferably MRI although CT is often enough.
It's a good thing she's started on aspirin which affords some prevention in the meanwhile, but I think the cause must be confirmed.
I remain at your disposal for further questions.
Stroke must be excluded by brain imaging.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question and I understand your concern.
It is true that anxiety can have many different sorts of manifestations and could be the case. However weakness of the limbs on one side is the most common manifestation. Balance issues as well although not that specific as it could have many causes.
Because that symptom is the most common manifestation of a stroke and stroke is a serious medical emergency I believe before reaching to an anxiety conclusion brain imaging tests must be done by all means, I think that should have been done already. It is too serious a possibility to be taking chances. I am sure ER doctors know that as it is a common issue they deal with. I suppose they have their reasons, there must have been indications on their exam which make them think it unlikely, but I still maintain brain imaging must be made to rule it out, preferably MRI although CT is often enough.
It's a good thing she's started on aspirin which affords some prevention in the meanwhile, but I think the cause must be confirmed.
I remain at your disposal for further questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
(1) Thank you for your opinion Doctor. On Tuesday the Doctor saw my mom and the test to discard a "stroke" is scheduled for tomorrow Friday. Yes, they might have their reasons. Do you think that the fact she did not show high blood pressure is one of the reasons why they think this is not a stroke?
(3) I understand baby aspirin does not need prescription. She is having 4 pills at morning and 4 at night before sleeping. What do you think about that?
Again, thanks very much!
(3) I understand baby aspirin does not need prescription. She is having 4 pills at morning and 4 at night before sleeping. What do you think about that?
Again, thanks very much!
Brief Answer:
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
It is true that stroke usually is associated with high blood pressure, but the lack of that does by no means exclude it, we do get stroke patients with normal blood pressure. As I said hopefully it's not a stroke, but those symptoms do warrant imaging.
I am not completely sure what Americans call baby aspirin, available formulations in the market may vary among countries (lowest dose is 100mg in my country) I believe it's 75 or 81 mg in the US if I am not mistaken. Anyway doesn't matter much as studies have shown little difference between different dosages, usually commonly used dosages range from 75 to 325 mg a day (as I said higher dosages have been tried as high as 1g with no visible benefit over smaller dosage).
So if she's taking 8 pills a day it's more than enough.
If a stroke will be found, then other tests will be needed for its origin and according to it will be decided whether to go on with aspirin or with other more appropriate alternatives. If there is a cardiac cause of stroke usually other blood thinners are required - anticoagulants (but since it hasn't been confirmed it's a stroke yet in the first place, perhaps I shouldn't confuse you with the ifs and buts regarding the causes).
I hope to have been of help.
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
It is true that stroke usually is associated with high blood pressure, but the lack of that does by no means exclude it, we do get stroke patients with normal blood pressure. As I said hopefully it's not a stroke, but those symptoms do warrant imaging.
I am not completely sure what Americans call baby aspirin, available formulations in the market may vary among countries (lowest dose is 100mg in my country) I believe it's 75 or 81 mg in the US if I am not mistaken. Anyway doesn't matter much as studies have shown little difference between different dosages, usually commonly used dosages range from 75 to 325 mg a day (as I said higher dosages have been tried as high as 1g with no visible benefit over smaller dosage).
So if she's taking 8 pills a day it's more than enough.
If a stroke will be found, then other tests will be needed for its origin and according to it will be decided whether to go on with aspirin or with other more appropriate alternatives. If there is a cardiac cause of stroke usually other blood thinners are required - anticoagulants (but since it hasn't been confirmed it's a stroke yet in the first place, perhaps I shouldn't confuse you with the ifs and buts regarding the causes).
I hope to have been of help.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
