Thread: is my docotor right or should i seek other opinion?

The other day I woke up in the morning and i was not able to move my right arm (it was completly dead, no feeling) as well the right side of my face would not work, when I looked in the mirror it was drooping. I was able to walk but not as good as usual my right leg would not lift far. due to facial issues my speech was slurred. This lasted about 20 minutes. by the time I was seen by the emergency docotr the symptoms were gone. I thought for sure I had a mini stroke but he said that was not the case as usualy with a stroke the facial paralysis is on the oposite side (so in my case my right arm and leg were affected but it would have been the left side my face was paralyzed) he feels it was likely a pinched nerve. I just have never heard of a pinched nerve affecting like that ( I would have thought there was some pain and tingly feelings) Any opinions would be appreciated. should I seek a second opinion?

I would definitely get a second opinion.

Could be Bell's Palsy, judging from four years of biology

Check out this link if it fits you http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bell's_palsy
If it does, consult a doctor

A single pinched nerve could not possibly have caused all of those symptoms. SEVERAL pinched nerves could have... but that's as unlikely as unilateral facial and arm paralysis.

Either way, the proper course of action is to investigate the cause of paralysis. A CT would give invaluable insight if there's been a bleed in the brain. (Even if the bleed has resolved!) I'd go back to your regular family doctor and discuss a referral to a neurologist for some follow-up.

TIA ("mini stroke") can sometimes be a warning signal of a larger problem, can predate a major hemorrhagic or ischemic event (major stroke) or they can come in clusters. (Which, come to think of it, could explain your symptoms - more than one tiny stroke at the same time or in quick succession.)

Definitely follow up!

That's not quite accurate.

A blockage on the left side of the BRAIN causes right sided symptoms, including the face, arm and leg. An interruption in blood flow on the right side of the brain causes symptoms on the left side.

This has to do with a structure in the brain called the corpus callosum. The brain is divided into 2 hemispheres, and resembles a walnut, with a deep fissure between the 2 halves. These 2 halves communicate to another via a bundle of nerve fibers called the corpus callosum. Brain signals from the left side cross over there and control the right side of the body, and vice versa.

The statement about the facial paralysis being on the opposite side is incorrect. I do think you should get a second opinion, as this does sound like a mini-stroke (transient ischaemic attach) and get investigated for possible causes which may then be treated. You need to do this URGENTLY, preferably today. Go to the emergency room if you have to, because you are certainly at risk.

Mini-strokes are actually a blessing in disguise, as they give out a definite warning the person is at risk of a stroke, and allows them to seek treatment before a devastating stroke happens.

Here are some articles for you:
http://www.strokeassociation.org/STR...p#.T0VBe3I_VJs
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/trans...article_em.htm

No I would disagree with that completely.
Basic first aid says left side of brain right side of body not left side of HEAD right side of body.
Since the early days of first aid I've studied a lot of neurology and the cranial nerves which supply your face decussate (cross over) just like the rest of the motor system of the body.
I've never seen a nerve impingement resolve in 20 minutes as you describe. To see several like that all in unison and then resolving is not probable.
More probable is you've had a transient Ischaemic attack or similar. DR T is spot on as usual) .You certainly need further investigations

Go and see another doctor.
In-spite of what they would like you to believe they do get it wrong.
Frequently!!

I remember commenting on a skeleton I had in front of me in pieces and i thought the shape of the pelvis and atlas were more like a female than male skeleton a Doctor who was there said "just count the ribs. If there are 24 its female, if there are 23 its male"......
Nah

On a more serious note I saw a patient once who clearly had some neurological deficit which had really clear signs on testing who was told by an ER doctor, "don't worry love, you're just having a panic attack."

TIAs, mini strokes, don't have that effect, you just get mentally confused for a short time.