Is it normal or common for numbness/ heaviness during a stroke to feel as if it is getting worse?

Hi Stacey,

Thank you for your question to us.

It is good that you have spoken to your GP about your concerns. If they have cleared you of any medical concerns, it might be worth also speaking  to your GP about a referral to a local Physiotherapist that specializes in neurological rehabilitation. They may be able to give you some further advice and exercises to help you with your symptoms and assist you further in your rehabilitation journey. Sometimes heaviness and numbness may change with varying levels of fatigue or at different times of day. They can look into this and work out what may be beneficial in your situation.

And please remember if you identify any signs or symptoms of possible stroke please call 000 straight away.

Please don't hesitate to call us on StrokeLine 1800 787 653

Warm Regards, 

Alicia (Occupational Therapist on StrokeLine)

Hi Stacey,

Here are some comments from the Facebook community:

Michelle Walker Harman Physio is an amazing lifeline ! It's hard and sometimes awful in recovery but your physiotherapist will always want you to get the best results you can. I don't always
want to do it but I'm always glad I did! Good Luck♡

Karen Bourke Hi Stacey I had a stroke in 2015 and I still have the heavy and numbness feelings in my left arm and leg some days are better than others and I find that by the end of the day the heaviness feeling gets worse. I found that exercising did help but with the current situation with the virus it is harder to do it
All the best Karen

Justine Sanders Hi Stacey where is ur Numbness I suffer it everyday in my hands and it’s hard but it is getting better

Adrienne Elizabeth I had an ischemic pontine stroke 22 months ago. My leg still feels heavy at times. It can be cumbersome putting on a sock or lifting my leg to get in the car etc. I haven’t had any physio for about 18 months, but get about quite easily most of the time.

Anna Tam I had a mild stroke 3 years ago. The heaviness lasts a long time. But keep working on it. It will get better

Kath Baillie The heaviness is definitely something I can relate to 👌

Hi Stacey,

Some more comments for you:

Elisha Deegan I find the degree of heavyness and numbness to be related to my level of fatigue or illness. The more I do in a day or week the heavy it all gets. If I am run down or sick the heavy, numb feeling is definitely increased. There is value in pacing and rest. I am 11 years in and still learning

Jessica Capelli Hi Stacey, I had a great experience with physio as well as an Osteopath. Osteopath is extremely gentle and I felt very relaxed and calm after every session. There are also some wonderful brain exercises you can do, it’s almost like talking to your brain to get it moving. I’m a big believer in try everything and let the healing begin 👍😉. Good luck with recovery xx

Roger Neate I go to a physiotherapist helps me with my leg and arm .Stay strong Stacey .cheers Rog

Hi Stacey,

Some more comments for you:

Elisha Deegan I find the degree of heavyness and numbness to be related to my level of fatigue or illness. The more I do in a day or week the heavy it all gets. If I am run down or sick the heavy, numb feeling is definitely increased. There is value in pacing and rest. I am 11 years in and still learning

Jessica Capelli Hi Stacey, I had a great experience with physio as well as an Osteopath. Osteopath is extremely gentle and I felt very relaxed and calm after every session. There are also some wonderful brain exercises you can do, it’s almost like talking to your brain to get it moving. I’m a big believer in try everything and let the healing begin 👍😉. Good luck with recovery xx

Roger Neate I go to a physiotherapist helps me with my leg and arm .Stay strong Stacey .cheers Rog