What Causes Confusion, Loss Of Right Peripheral Vision And Tingling In Arms?

Posted on Mon, 24 Aug 2015

Question: I had an episode last night where I became confused, lost my peripheral vision in my right, had pins and needles in both arms, and was also seeing squiggly lines in my right eye. This all lasted for around 20 minutes. Blood Sugar was 90. I went to the ER and they did lab work, ekg, eye exam, neuro checks, and an eye ultrasound which were all negative. The symptoms resolved on their own.

The eye ultrasound was to check for a detached retina.

PMH: Deaf in right ear from coustic neuroma removal,
Meds: MVI and Fish Oil.

Had an MRI within the past 5 years to check for tumor regrowth which was negative.

Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (35 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
TIA or anxiety most probable

Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.

That description is compatible with a transient ischemic attack (TIA). It means a transitory blockage of a blood vessel with symptoms due to dysfunction of the brain area that vessel supplies. In this case it should be the vessels supplying the posterior part of your brain.
While it has resolved now it could herald a future stroke. For that reason a good evaluation for sources of strokes such as heart issues and neck vessels ultrasound is necessary.

Another possible cause could also be anxiety considering also your previous conditions. However the screening I mentioned above should be done as a stroke is a serious possibility which should be prevented.

I remain at your disposal for further questions

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

Follow up: Dr. Olsi Taka (7 minutes later)

I asked about a stroke and a Tia and they said that they didn't think it was either of these since all my testing was negative. I requested an MRI and or a CT but it was said I had to go through my PCP for these.

Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Read below

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for your feedback.

Since the symptoms disappeared I wouldn't expect the CT to show anything. If a true TIA where blood flow is restored before there is any damage, an mri might not show anything either, but in some cases it can evidence a small stroke. However mri is not available in the ER in many hospitals so since your symptoms regressed I can understand their decision.

At this moment though mri shouldn't be the main concern though, as I said in TIA it's normal. I would concentrate more on what might have precipitated it in order to prevent a true stroke in the future. So would see as more useful heart echo, prolonged ECG, neck vessels ultrasound.

I do not want to scare you excessively, it might be anxiety as I said, stroke is uncommon at your age and if it wasn't from those visual symptoms being limited only on one side I would have said anxiety as all the rest of the symptoms are typical in anxiety. The evaluation I recommended is advisable though.

I hope to have been of help.

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