What Causes Severe Pain In Legs After Treating Subarachnoid Hemorrhage?

Posted on Mon, 14 Dec 2015

Question: My mom is 83 and was recently released from the hospital after a brain bleed (subarachnoid hemorrhage) and is having terrible pain in her legs when she moves. The ER doctor suggested that she may have blood in her spinal fluid that is irritating her . He said that we should find out more about her condition by googling it. I can't find anything like this online as a side effect or after effect. She has a doctor appt. on Tuesday, but I'm wondering if I need to get her in sooner.

Answered by Dr. Luchuo Engelbert Bain (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Wait cautiously, continue therapy with physitherapist

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for the query,

I am afraid the leg pain might not be really related to the bleeding in the brain. Problems with sensation and weakness in the legs if were present could be easily associated to the bleeding in the brain. I suggest you continue therapy with the physiotherapist

What is most important with regards to the fact that she bled is monitoring her level of consciousness, headaches if any , vomiting and any visual disorders. If she does not present with any of these, there is really no call for alarm.

From your description its really no call for panic. I suggest you stay patient and watchful as you wait for her appointment.

In case of alarm signs like headaches, visual disorders, vomiting and reduced level of consciousness or weakness of any part of the body, you can consult the emergency doctor. If not, no worries for now.

Thanks and kind regards as I wish her the very best of health.

Dr Bain

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad