Does Paresthesia get better? I had an Inter-cranial Pontine Hemorrhage in July, the "Pins and Needles" numbness has been getting worse and has spread to the right side of my face, more pressure behind the left eye, the right foot is getting worse and now the left foot is also showing numbness, my left hand, especially thumb is getting worse and my right hand is also getting worse. Is this a normal thing? Is it a case of "getting worse before it gets better"? It is starting to frighten me.

Hi Gary

Thanks for reaching out on EnableMe. I am sorry to hear you are having issues with sensation changes such as numbness and pins and needles. This is a common issue following a stroke. To answer your question, yes it can get better, especially with therapy.

To manage post-stroke changes in sensation, start by speaking with your doctor. Your doctor can:

• Make sure there are no health or medication issues causing the changes.
• Make sure you have a diagnosis, referring you to specialists and allied health therapists as needed.

A physiotherapist or occupational therapist can work with you to create a program that addresses the sensation changes, and any safety concerns they may cause you. 

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 local doctor 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.  

Our Touch and Sensation Podcast has some great ideas about strategies that may help:

https://enableme.org.au/Community/Podcasts/Sensation

Remember sudden changes such as numbness or paralysis in the face can be signs of stroke, so if it’s come on suddenly, call triple zero (000).

You are welcome to give us a call on StrokeLine 1800 787 653 to talk about a therapy options and strategies that will be helpful for you. We are here Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, Eastern Standard Time.

Alicia (Occupational Therapist on StrokeLine)

Hi Gary,

Here are some more comments for you from the community:

Anne 
Hi Gary, I had a thalamus stroke in April this year and I am finding the symptoms you are experiencing too. I too feel it is getting worse. Hope we can both feel better soon.

Mieke
Just before I had my stroke, I had a weird feeling in my foot, like pins and needles and cramp at same time, now six years later my foot still does it now and then and it scares me every time.......and then I let my mind think here I go again......it’s like living with a time bomb. I had my stroke 6 years ago

Fran:
I am 4 years post stroke and still get pins and needles and numbness. Usually my arms. No reason or rhyme for it, just happens. Also get wierd sensations as well. All the best for your recovery Gary.

Debra:
My affected side after 5 yrs is less sensitive can tell in baths or sitting in sun. So have to b careful easy to forget though.

Judy:
I am 8 years post stroke and still get minor pins and needles in my hands and feet especially of a night when I’m not using them . A bit scary .

Hi Gary,

I had a thalmic stroke two months ago.I too suffer from pins and needles all the way down my right side. I get great encouragement from my physio, occupational and hydro therapist. I am organising to go to  "Strength for Life" classes twice a week when the rehab at the hospital finishes. (Google it and hopefully you will be able to find one near you. They are organised by COTA. They may be able to help. )

My physio has given me a booklet of exercises appropriate for balance and strength but I feel I will need some help and encouragement as I go along to keep me going. I have made a box of bolts and nuts that the O/T uses to get my fingers dancing again. I can do it without looking whilst I watch TV. The bolts are mounted in an old wooden wine box which has hole in the side so that I can pick-up the nut decide an appropriate size bolt and screw it on. I have three different size bolts. My affected hand buzzes more and more and irest if it gets painful. It has given me a whole new meaning to getting a buzz out of life.