Why Did A 70-year-old Woman Medicated To Prevent Blood Clots Encounter A Sudden Onset Of Unilateral Numbness In The Hand, Fingers And Leg?

Posted on Wed, 4 Apr 2018

Wed, 4 Apr 2018 Answered on

Thu, 22 Jun 2023 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi Doctor, my known aunty,who is 70 years of age has suddenly left numbness in right hand fingers and also in leg. she is also diabetic and have high bp. we did ct scan and report is enclosed. as per doctor her blood is thick and now giving medication accordingly. is not right treatment

Answered by Dr. Dr. Prasad J (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Antiplatelet drugs are the right treatment but more evaluation is necessary...

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

Sudden onset numbness on one side is suggestive of a stroke (maybe a mini-stroke if symptoms have resolved). It is treated with the antiplatelet drug (medicine to thin blood). However, other treatments are needed based on the risk factor involved.

May I know what other tests were performed.

Usually, CT brain is followed up with other tests including
- complete blood count,
- a lipid profile
- CV doppler neck vessels
- serum Homocysteine levels
- ECG
- blood sugar
- maybe MRI brain also

If these tests were not performed, I will recommend she visits a neurologist who will order the tests and start treatment accordingly. I hope her blood sugars and blood pressures are under control.

Hope I have answered your query.

Regards,
Dr. Prasad, General & Family Physician

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