GP/111/A&E? Sudden (over the last few days) onset of one sided numbness

[cjt110]

Have had worsening hip pain. Saw GP last Thurs who suggested could be arthritis from car accident in 2013. Given naproxen.

Naproxen did nothing. I took codeine which relieved the pain. GP prescribed codeine and refused to do xray as management for arthritis or possible sciatica is the same.

Saw different GP on Weds as not happy who has referred me for physio. Explained i get numbess when sat, from hip bone to foot.

In the last 2/3 days I have noticed increased numbess and tingling if sat a certain way. She suggested could be nerve based.

Now about 2 hours in so far this evening of just resting, walking in house, standing. Numbness (not complete) from hip to foot. Worse from thigh to foot with tingling. Not going with movement or position change and only on the right.

Also noticed last night when laid on the right, my arm/hand also went numb.

My Mum said ring 111. I say may aswell wait until tomorrow and Ill see the GP.

NHS 111 online suggests immediate medical attention due to new medication.

Which is best course of action?

Could be a tia if its not a full stroke. Or something else sinister. You just don't know so don't risk it. Go to A&E ASAP in case you miss any vital treatment windows and hopefully it'll be something less serious

Tbf Ee this happened to a close family member. Numbness and tingling coming and going (they were tias but she didn't know) and they a full stroke. Why risk it just because you think it's somehow a badge of honour to do so

This is not something that should be answered by anyone here except to signpost to immediate real life medical advice through 111, 999 or your GP out of hours service.

Yes, actually, I am. And the symptoms have progressed since she actually saw a doctor, in a way that is incompatible with the differential diagnosis given at that time. When the clinical picture changes, in a new and worrying fashion, then reassessment is required. This can result in a completely different diagnosis. As I teach my medical students, time is a very important diagnostic tool.

We cannot diagnose over the internet. We can say "for the love of god get to A&E and see an actual face to face doctor because this is worrying, and has changed significantly since you were last seen."

As you have hydro then I think a&e would be best.

Fell asleep last night waiting for 111 to call back. They did. Twice and i missed it on my phone.

Leg still numb, tingly and tight. Off to docs this am

@nocoolnamesleft of course you are

You fell asleep!

My goodness this could be really serious, please go and get seen ASAP

That sounds worrying. Sleeping through two phone calls. Are you sure you were just asleep and not unconscious?

@Ginfordinner my phone was on vibrate so its very possible i didnt hear it. I did wake at 3am and saw the 2 missed calls.

Waiting at GPs now. Booked a double appt. Numb from the hip to the toe.

You will know for next time to turn the volume up next time you are waiting for an urgent phone call.

Good luck

This happened to me recently OP and was told it was peripheral neuropathy. If you want to know whether a medication you take can cause it then you'll have to check the advisory leaflet that came with it medications often have side effects and codeine is a horrible drug. I wouldn't take it.

The cause in my case was an antibiotic I was taking, and as the doctor advised, some weeks later having discontinued that then the symptoms are subsiding- horrid experience though. I have other serious health conditions so am going in for an MRI to check that it wasn't a TIA although the waits are so long even as 'urgent' I assume it will be all but pointless by then anyway. Not complaining as of course I could have gone to a&e but given I had a very likely cause, and it is a waiting game, chose not to.

Dr has done all the checks and doesnt suggest its a stroke.

Sending me for nerve tests

I asked if the codeine could have caused it and she said she doubts it because its one sided only

I’ve got a friend currently recovering from a stroke...she’s mid 20’s. She was told for several days it was a migraine.

How are you feeling @cjt110?

Hello all.

Update. Went to A&E. Ruled out stroke. Query Cauda Equina Syndrome. Also ruled out via MRI. Admission overnight. Discharged yesterday with no diagnosis or explanation

both reassuring that it's not a stroke and alarming you're just discharged

I did have the one sided numbness / tingling once - sent off for immediate MRI - turns out it was some erosion of the cervical vertebrae or something (though at one point they thought possibly MS)

Yes. Definitely a mix of relief and confusion. Numbness still continuing. Fortunately i saw my GP Friday morning who agreed i needed to have some nerve studies and was referring me for those but the hospital didn't know this.

The numbness is still present. Along with tingling and pins and needles and it comes and goes in waves.

Hope my referral is quick. Dr said 6 weeks.