Numbness on my right

Hi Mick,

Thanks for reaching out on EnableMe. It’s good to hear that your stroke was minor and hasn’t affected your movement. It is also great to see that you are seeking clarification about your numbness. This is a common issue following a stroke. To answer your question, yes it can get better. Sometimes feeling returns to the areas on its own (spontaneous recovery). Other times, rehabilitation may be needed to help retrain the brain to process sensory information again (eg your sense of touch)

If the numbness continues, start by speaking with your doctor. Your doctor can

- Make sure there are no other health or medication issues causing your numbness

- Refer you to specialists and allied health therapists as needed.

A neurological physiotherapist or occupational therapist can work with you to create a sensory retraining program that addresses ongoing numbness.

Sensory retraining involves concentrating on and exposing your skin to different types of sensory inputs to increase your brains awareness of sensations. This is done repetitively to challenge your brain to relearn how to interpret different types of sensations.  You can discuss this with the therapists you see. There are also other options that might be helpful such as thermal stimulation (using hot and cold).

Talk with your GP about Medicare-subsidised allied health sessions with a Chronic Conditions Management Treatment Plan. You can then see an allied health therapist with experience in treating these issues. If you have private health insurance, that’s an option for accessing physiotherapy and occupational therapy too.  

Here are some resources that may help: 

Blog- Changes to touch and sensation

Podcast-Touch and Sensation

This research study is looking for participants and may also be of interest. It offers free support for survivors of stroke with sensory changes.   

Research- SENSe Therapy

You are welcome to give us a call on StrokeLine 1800 787 653 or email strokeline@strokefoundation.org.au to talk about your recovery or link you in with trained therapists. We are available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, Eastern Standard Time.

With kind regards,

Kath (StrokeLine)

Thanks heaps Kath. 

It depends on the type of stroke , a blocked carpillary then yes you should recover over time and with proper physio , if its the more serious burst vien or artery then it depends but cross your fingers . But think positive is a better option .

Thanks Gary..

I was lucky enough it was an ischemic stroke. I will just keep up the exercises and wait for it to return. I can’t complain really, I know there are a lot of people worse off than me.  If a bit of numbness is all I have I consider myself lucky. 

Good to hear, Mick. You're indeed very lucky.

Thank you Avaniterg 😁😁

Just think positive as always. You'll be fine :D