Sudden numbness in a limb may signal a stroke, neurologist warns

On Oct. 9, neurologist Anton Markitan warned that sudden numbness affecting an entire arm or leg, half the face or one side of the body warrants urgent attention. If it occurs with weakness, dizziness or other neurological symptoms, emergency services should be called.

Markitan told Gazeta.Ru that people often attribute numbness to an awkward posture, although it can also be linked to nervous system disorders. He singled out sudden numbness affecting a whole limb or one side of the face or body as especially concerning.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg, particularly on one side, among stroke symptoms. Its guidance also identifies sudden dizziness, loss of balance and speech problems as warning signs and advises people to seek emergency help immediately.

Markitan said nervous tissue is vulnerable when its blood supply is disrupted and that every minute matters when the central nervous system is affected. He urged people not to wait when sudden numbness is accompanied by muscle weakness, dizziness or other neurological symptoms.