What Causes Numbness In Left Leg And Difficulty Moving The Leg?

Posted on Mon, 6 Jun 2016

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

Mon, 6 Jun 2016 Answered on

Tue, 5 Jul 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : My 84y/o husband has had balance problems since he had a smack stroke 6years ago, together with progressive weakness of his legs. The neurologist attributes these issues to vestibular decline, and only in the last year has said that the stroke could be a contributer to these issues. Recently he briefly lost feeling in his left leg and had great difficulty moving his leg. After he sat and rested for 15-20minutes he was able to get up and walk. He does a lot of sitting. He has had many physical therapy sessions over the last 3-4 years, but his at home compliance to do the exercises is very poor. He has little stamina.What next?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Imaging studies are necessary.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.

I have read your query and understand your concerns.

Imaging studies are necessary to understand the correct condition that is causing your husband's symptoms.

In my opinion, vestibular decline doesn't relate to leg weakness, conditions such transient ischemic attack, normal pressure hydrocephalus and any possible new stroke should be evaluated since there is a past history of stroke.

If only one leg was affected by weakness, conditions such spine instability ( spondylolysthesis ) should be considered too.

Besides neurological examination, imaging studies such brain and lumbar spine MRI, x-rays of lumbosacral spine are necessary to achieve a correct diagnosis, since the lab results excluded low thyroid gland function.

Hope you found the answer helpful.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Greetings.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Naveen Kumar