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What Causes Pain And Weakness In The Left Limbs?
Question: Pain in left leg for the last 3 months. can't walk up or down stairs, pain keep me from sleeping. Stroke 4 years ago on left side. Pain is in left leg, left hip, lower back, left shoulder and arm. Cannot preform simple task. Lot of weakness in leg and foot. Causes me to fall because I can't move my foot or leg fast enough.
Brief Answer:
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
It is unclear whether by stroke on the left side you mean left side of the brain or involving the left limbs (Typically in stroke symptoms are on the opposite side of the brain damage). If you mean it involved the left limbs then one possibility to consider is spasticity in the setting of the old damage. You should discuss that possibility with your doctor and physical therapist as he has been testing the presence of spasticity during your sessions. If he thinks that there is an issue of spasticity then medication for spasticity should be added such as Baclofen.
On the other hand if he has noticed no such thing and also given the fact that the pain has been present for only 3 months while the stroke was 4 years back, a new lesion may be suspected. Since the symptoms involve one entire half of the body (if it was only the lower limb a spinal issue would be suspected) then a brain lesion should be suspected such as another stroke. Stroke may certainly manifest with weakness and when involving certain areas dealing with sensation it may manifest with pain as well. So in that case I believe brain imaging should be scheduled to search for a new brain lesion.
In the meantime to alleviate the pain, painkillers may be considered which would include either over the counter pain killers like Ibuprofen (but caution is needed if you have high blood pressure, kidney or stomach issues) or medication for neuropathic pain such as Gabapentin or Pregabalin.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
It is unclear whether by stroke on the left side you mean left side of the brain or involving the left limbs (Typically in stroke symptoms are on the opposite side of the brain damage). If you mean it involved the left limbs then one possibility to consider is spasticity in the setting of the old damage. You should discuss that possibility with your doctor and physical therapist as he has been testing the presence of spasticity during your sessions. If he thinks that there is an issue of spasticity then medication for spasticity should be added such as Baclofen.
On the other hand if he has noticed no such thing and also given the fact that the pain has been present for only 3 months while the stroke was 4 years back, a new lesion may be suspected. Since the symptoms involve one entire half of the body (if it was only the lower limb a spinal issue would be suspected) then a brain lesion should be suspected such as another stroke. Stroke may certainly manifest with weakness and when involving certain areas dealing with sensation it may manifest with pain as well. So in that case I believe brain imaging should be scheduled to search for a new brain lesion.
In the meantime to alleviate the pain, painkillers may be considered which would include either over the counter pain killers like Ibuprofen (but caution is needed if you have high blood pressure, kidney or stomach issues) or medication for neuropathic pain such as Gabapentin or Pregabalin.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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