[59F] Experiencing numbness and confusion with a history of breast cancer and heart issues

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, here are some possible explanations for your symptoms:

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS): This is a chronic disease that affects the central nervous system, especially the brain and spinal cord. It can cause symptoms like numbness or weakness in one or more limbs, usually on one side of the body at a time, often with a leg. Other symptoms can include electric-shock sensations with certain neck movements, tremor, lack of coordination, and problems with balance.

  • Diagnosis of MS typically involves a neurological exam, MRI, and sometimes a spinal fluid analysis.
  • Treatment for MS can include medications to modify the disease course, treat relapses, and manage symptoms.

• Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): These conditions occur when blood flow to a part of your brain is interrupted or reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. This can cause symptoms like trouble with walking, speaking and understanding, as well as paralysis or numbness of the face, arm or leg, often on one side of your body.

  • Diagnosis of a stroke or TIA typically involves a physical exam, blood tests, a CT or MRI scan, carotid ultrasound, and an echocardiogram.
  • Treatment for a stroke or TIA can include medications, a procedure to open up an artery, or a surgery to remove a clot or repair blood vessels.

• Peripheral Neuropathy: This results from damage to your peripheral nerves, which often causes weakness, numbness, and pain, usually in your hands and feet. It can also affect other areas of your body.

  • Diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy often involves neurological examinations, blood tests, CT or MRI scans, nerve function tests, and nerve biopsy.
  • Treatment for peripheral neuropathy focuses on managing the condition causing your neuropathy and relieving symptoms with medications, therapies, and possibly surgery.

Please note that these are potential explanations and not a definitive diagnosis. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional who can evaluate your symptoms and medical history in person.

What you can do

Given the severity and duration of your symptoms, it's important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Here are some steps you can take:

1. Contact your healthcare provider and describe your symptoms. They may want to see you for an examination or refer you to a specialist.
2. If your symptoms worsen suddenly or you experience severe headache, confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech, or loss of balance or coordination, seek emergency medical care immediately.
3. Keep track of your symptoms and any factors that seem to make them worse or better. This information can be helpful for your healthcare provider.

What you should look out for

Please seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

• Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
• Sudden severe headache with no known cause

Remember, I'm an AI and this advice is based on the information you've provided. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional for a definitive diagnosis and treatment.