Becoming concerned

[JamesBr]

I first experienced a problem in 2003. I woke up one morning with my whole left side affected, my motor control in my arm and leg was completely gone I couldnt hold onto a cup with my hand and I had a severe limp this continued for two or three months and then went away. I was fine for several years after that until dec. of 2006 when I started to get a numbness in my left arm and leg. Once again it went away and the usual out of sight out of mind philosophy applied. Unfortunately about a week ago the numbess in my arm and less frequently my leg began again. My arm doesnt get prickly or anything it just kinda tightens up on itself, my ring finger curls up and my whole arm kinda pulls in close to my body and my fine motor control goes out the window. Ive also noticed that my arm shakes considerably if I am holding anything, unless my arm is just hanging straight down. My leg seems to just become less responsive and I develop a sort of clumsy limp. These episodes always last less than a minute. However im concerned because they will start infrequently but increase in frequency and intensity. I have read of similar occurences with MS but I am loath to jump to convlusions. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what may be the cause, several of my personal friends have suffested that it may be stress since the times it has happened have roughly corresponded to times of moderately sever stress in my life however I am not entirely convinced that it is due solely to stress. Any help that anyone can shed on this would be incredibly appreciated. Thank you.

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

Since you do have a positive family history of stroke and some of the risk factors, it is important for you to keep those risk factors under control.
I would also suggest you to learn some self relaxation techniques like breathing exercises and meditation. Regular physical activity will also help.
Take care!

[JamesBr]

My family does have a history of heart attack and high blood pressure and my mother has suffered a stroke already and she is only 41 this year. Many of the main risk factors exist in my family lol. High blood pressure, stroke, heart attack, diabetes u name it they have had it. My mother also has fibromyalguia and she swears up and down its genetic but I havent seen any proof of this yet so once again I am sceptical. And I have been to a general care physician and told them I was uneasy about my arm but the first one was convinced that due to my age I must be doing drugs and the second doctor said that since I didnt have chest pains or breathing problems not to worry about it.

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

Thanks for writing in.
Since these symptoms have occurred every time you have been under stress it is quite possible that these symptoms are due to panic attacks. Panic attacks are sudden discrete periods of intense anxiety and are one of the most frightening experiences of ones life.
Other possibility like you mentioned is MS. It is difficult to diagnose without a neurological exam and tests like MRI of brain.
These symptoms could also be due to stroke. Do you have any risk factor for stroke?
This requires further evaluation. Please consult a neurologist and do keep us posted!