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What Causes Inability To Move Limbs?

Posted on Thu, 6 Oct 2016

Question: Hi! My friend who is in her early 70's I think, woke up a 2 days ago and found she could not move at all. She however is cognitive. Talking, has memory, can eat, not effecting appetite. She is breathing well and normally. Her joints can be moved if someone else moves them for her otherwise nothing. She says and seems to be in a tremendous amount of pain. Have seen a couple Doctors and they have no idea. We live in a small rural area and was hoping to maybe get some help for this really nice lady. Thank you so much for your time. Also, she has not been in an accident or a fall or any of those kinds of things, the only thing I could really provide is she has had a lot of stress lately with family things.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (32 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It could be stroke

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for using Healthcaremagic.

I read your query and understand your concerns.

From the available description it seems that she had a stroke resulting in inability to move her all four limbs. It is possible that her only motor function is affected resulting in inability to move.

Considering her age stroke is the first thing we need to rule out even before trauma or accidents.

In my view she needs urgent CT scan of brain and spine and proper neurological examination.

I alos request you to see a qualified doctor as I feel you probably met some quacks which are rampant in rural areas.

I hope this helps you.
Thanks and regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (3 days later)

The Doctor she is seeing here did do an exam but no CT. (I know, I am losing it!) Anyway he put her on prednisone. That has helped and she can move again but I am afraid it is just a bandaid. That the next episode will be much worse. Now no one is even doing anything because she can move now. If I can get her out of town what kind of specialist should she see? A neurologist? Anything else? I very much appreciate your listening and your advice.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes you need to see a Neurologist

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for reverting back to me.

Considering the possibility of stroke I think Neurologist is best answer to her needs. In case one is not available than you can see a general physician with experience in neurology.

I Hope this helps you further.
If you have any further query, I would be glad to help you.
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http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-ashok-kumar/67386
Thanks and regards.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar