What Causes Numbness In The Legs After Colonoscopy?

Posted on Sun, 23 Apr 2017

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

Sun, 23 Apr 2017 Answered on

Mon, 15 May 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : My 82 yr old father is not able to walk after colonoscopy. His legs are now numb and floppy Do you think he may have had a stroke?

Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (21 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Stroke is a possibility.

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for posting your query.

I am Dr Sudhir Kumar, Neurologist, and I would try my best to help you.

I have noted your father's clinical details. Based on this, we need to exclude stroke by doing a brain scan. Other possibilities include electrolyte imbalance such as low potassium or low sodium levels in the blood.

I hope my answer helps. Please get back if you have any follow up queries or if you require any additional information.

Wishing you good health,

Dr Sudhir Kumar MD (Internal Medicine), DM (Neurology) XXXXXXX Consultant Neurologist
Apollo Hospitals, XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
Click on this link to ask me a DIRECT QUERY: http://bit.ly/Dr-Sudhir-kumar
My BLOG: http://bestneurodoctor.blogspot.in

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

Follow up: Dr. Sudhir Kumar (18 minutes later)

He had potassium top up in hosp. He also has lyposarcoma. Following an mri which showed cancer touching the spine Had 10 sessions of radiotherapy while in hosp but this has not helped him in walking. He had a stroke following colonoscopy 2yrs ago which resulted in memory loss and poor vision. This time after colonoscopy initially he started loosing balance and stopped walking completely a few days after. His oncologist claims its the cancer but after radiotherapy with no improvement, wr suspect another stroke. We havent yet talked re this to his drs as they're saying its the cancer. Wr will ask for brain scan for stroke. Do you think it can be reversed if due to stroke? Will my father be able to walk with the help of a frame. Physios at hosp tried several times to make him take steps but were unsuccessful. Can i have your feedback pls. Thank you

Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (19 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
If it is stroke, he would gradually recover.

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

Most patients with stroke gradually recover over time. So, we expect your father also to get better over time and be able to walk. However, recovery is lesser and slower in older people and those with second strokes.

If it is due to spread of cancer to spine, then, the improvement may not be as good, especially as he has not improved after radiation therapy too.

Best wishes,

Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology)

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

Follow up: Dr. Sudhir Kumar (8 minutes later)

Thank you Dr XXXXXXX We will try and convince dad's drs tomorrow for a brain scan to rule out the possibility of a stroke. May get back to you for further advice.

Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (2 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Would be pleased to further assist.

Detailed Answer:
Sure, please keep me informed about your father's progress. I would be pleased to be of help in his management.

Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology)

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