Hi Ian,
Thank you for reaching out to us. I’m sorry to hear about your stroke, and the changes to your body that you are experiencing. You may be feeling worried or concerned, but know treatment and support are available.
If you have experienced sudden changes in sensation or paralysis, this can be a sign of stroke. If this happens, call triple zero (000) immediately.
Touch and sensation can commonly change throughout the stroke recovery journey. You may have experienced tingling early on which can develop into unpleasant sensations that hurt. This may be related to your brain starting to process sensory information but misinterpreting information.
I would encourage you to speak with your GP about the changes in your body. Are you describing a common development of muscle spasticity post stroke or a loss of function like weakness or a change in sensation?
Your GP can:
- Make sure you have a diagnosis.
- Make sure there are no other health or medication issues causing the changes.
- Refer you to specialists and allied health therapists such as a neurological physiotherapist or neurological occupational therapist.
Allied health therapists may consider sensory retraining to retrain sensory pathways and get unused pathways working. Therapy aims to improve sensation, and to help you adapt to changes such as feelings that hurt. They may also look at changes in spasticity and weakness.
You can visit these websites for more information:
EnableMe blog- Touch and Sensation
SENSe therapy website including where I can get sense therapy
EnableMe podcast- Touch and Sensation
Muscle spasticity after stroke
EnableMe- Leg functioning post stroke
EnableMe- Arm functioning post stroke
If you would like to talk with one of our friendly allied health professionals, please contact StrokeLine 1800 787 653 or email strokeline@strokefoundation.org.au. Our operating hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm AEST.
With kind regards,
Kath, StrokeLine
Ree Al
I had a haemorrhagic stroke too, some years ago. My leg was totally numb and I remember getting a warm sensation then lots of spiky tingling and that for me seemed to coincide with some healing. However as the numbness wore off the pain began, with some spasticity. Both have improved over the years however my leg still doesn’t like me standing still for too long and I get pain and spasms. As for the paralysis, I would investigate more, see your doctor etc. It has only been three months so very early days for you. I am always improved with movement. Even when I couldn’t do much movement I would make out as if I could, tense my muscles, etc; doing baby steps led to bigger steps. All the best.
Corrine Mcl
Yes, haemorrhagic thalamic stroke 3 years ago. Entire left side is either numb and I feel like it’s paralysed at times of stress, tingling, pins and needles. So far no nerve pain meds have settled it and it’s fatiguing I am trying to learn to live with it, and I guess I’m just grateful I’m alive.
Janice Clarke
I had an ischemic stroke 18 months ago which gave me the same sensation you describe but mine is a cold feeling with it. I am currently on epilepsy medication for it. It has helped
Hi Ian,
Here are some more comments from the community.
Tracy Saggus
I was paralyzed but could still feel, and then during recovery I had puns and needles feeling whole right side for 12 to 18 months after stroke. It faded gradually after that. But I get it now and again (couple times a year) 8 years post stroke.
Jen Whitehorn
I have had 2, 2013, and 2014, same symptoms as you have described, settled slowly. however when stressed, or very tired these symptoms will re-appear. Find it makes me slow down and pace myself somewhat better than I have/had been doing....can now go with out symptoms for months at a time. good luck.
Baylis Kristy
Hi Ian. I had the same stroke as you 4 years ago. I experienced alot of numbness and tingling too feeling frozen and zaps of electricity on the affected arm.
I had them in excruciating waves and (many other sensations ) I documented it all and timed it on my watch.
It turned out to be nerve damage which I'm on medication for.
Also other pains I was having turned out to be focal seizures The stroke left me with Epilepsy. 4 years I still have pain I can tolerate it quietly until winter. The cold is awful if you have nerve damage.
I hope some of this might have been useful
Good luck Ian.
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