Resolved question:
I have been having a numbness/loss of sensation feeling in my left arm and tingling in my left calf. My left calf down to the foot is also cold to the touch and always cold. My left arm/hand is also cold.
I don't know whats going on… what could this be a sign of? The other night i woke up in the middle of the night and the whole left side of my face was numb. My left arm and leg were also numb then too. I'm a 21 year old active female so the chances of it being a stroke are slim. I also had a brain MRI done back in November that was normal… but I don't understand why the numbness/cold feeling is getting worse and is only in the left side.
I also have ruled out any cardiac problems. I've had many normal resting EKGS, normal stress test, normal holter monitor, and normal echocardiogram ultrasound of the heart
** I've been tested twice for lyme. Could this possibly be lyme and should I be tested again?
Submitted:
4 Days
Category:
Neurologist, Medical
Hi,
Thank you for posting your query at DoctorSpring.com.
One-sided symptoms require further evaluation. A detailed clinical examination by a neurologist should be done. If that is normal, it would exclude a major neurological problem. Even though MRI was normal in November, if symptoms repeat or if there are abnormalities on clinical examination, MRI may be repeated.
I agree that stroke is unlikely in a healthy young person. We need to exclude a demyelinating illness or an infection (Lyme is unlikely in your case).
I hope it helps. Please get back if you have any follow-up queries.
Best wishes,
Dr. Sudhir Kumar MD (Medicine), DM (Neurology)
Senior Consultant Neurologist
What type of infections would you recommend I be tested for?
Hi,
Thank you for getting back.
Initially, I would recommend repeating the MRI brain with contrast. If that is normal, then, no further testing would be necessary.
If MRI is abnormal, then, lumbar puncture would be required to exclude meningitis (due to bacteria, fungi, tuberculosis, etc).
Best wishes,
Dr. Sudhir Kumar MD (Medicine), DM (Neurology)