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What Causes Sudden Temporary Immobility In Arms And Weakness?

Posted on Wed, 9 Dec 2015

Question: Hello, I have now had 2 occasions when suddenly I have felt a complete drain of mobility in my arms and like a draining feeling going down my arms and back for about 15-30 seconds and making me feel very weak. After a few minutes I regain normal function. The first time was 2 days ago with the second happening tonight. A very strange feeling.

Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (20 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
TIA should be ruled out.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for posting your query.

I have noted your symptoms. Based on these, we should exclude a diagnosis of transient ischemic attack (TIA). In TIA, the blood supply to a part of brain is reduced for a short while.

Risk factors should be looked into- high blood pressure, blood sugar and high cholesterol.

If needed, MRI brain may be done.

Best wishes,

Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology)
Consultant Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Sudhir Kumar (23 minutes later)

Hello. I do not have any of the above. In fact all are totally within healthy ranges and in fact blood pressure is on the low side. An MRI cannot be performed as I have peripheral nerve stimulator in my back. Any other ideas?

Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Good to nkow there are no risk factors

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for getting back and providing additional information.

It is good to note that you have no risk factors for TIA. If MRI can not be done, it can be replaced with CT scan of brain, combined with carotid doppler, which can also provide valuable information regarding the blood supply to brain.

There are no other conditions, that can cause these symptoms, that last only for 15-30 seconds.

Best wishes,

Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology)

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee