Unable To Get Off Thoughts When Trying To Talk. Fingertips Are Numb. Cause?

Posted on Tue, 1 Oct 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 1 Oct 2013 Answered on

Wed, 23 Oct 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : today I had an episode where I could not get my thoughts out when i tried to talk. My fingertips also became numb. what could have caused this?

Answered by Dr. Jorge Brenes-Salazar (16 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Rule out TIA

Detailed Answer:
Dear patient,

Thanks for your concerns. The symptoms are indeed worrisome, and the first thing that needs to be ruled out is the possibility of a transient ischemic attack (TIA), also known as a mini-stroke; indeed it usually presents with transient problems with speech, tingling or numbness in the arm, or a "lazy" hand. Probably, the most versed specialist to work this problem out would be a neurologist, but a general internist can do it as well. It is not unreasonable for you to be on aspirin once daily until you see a provider.

Yours truly,

Yours truly,

Dr Brenes-Salazar MD
Mayo Clinic MN
Cardiology

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