[67F] Experiencing leg spasticity and syncope following stroke

Patient Description

A 67-year-old female reports experiencing leg spasticity 2-3 times a week, lasting 1-2 minutes or until assisted by her husband. These episodes began several weeks after she suffered a stroke. The frequency of the spasticity has decreased over time, but it is often accompanied by syncope. The patient also experiences daily headaches of varying intensity. The stroke resulted in a total loss of left peripheral vision, short-term memory loss, and mental processing issues. No specific activities or treatments have been identified that provide relief from the spasticity.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

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

  • Post-Stroke Spasticity: After a stroke, some people develop increased muscle tone, which can lead to stiffness or tightness of the muscles and can interfere with movement and posture. This is known as spasticity. The shaking and falling you've described could be related to this condition.

    • Treatment options typically include physical therapy, medication, and sometimes surgery.

  • Seizures: The loss of consciousness and shaking could potentially be symptoms of a seizure. Seizures can be caused by various conditions, including stroke.

    • Treatment typically involves medication, and sometimes surgery or other therapies.

  • Orthostatic Hypotension: This is a form of low blood pressure that happens when you stand up from sitting or lying down. It could potentially explain the loss of consciousness and falling.

    • Treatment typically involves lifestyle changes and medications.

Please note that these are only possibilities 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

  1. Consult with a healthcare professional: They can perform a physical examination and potentially order tests to determine the cause of your symptoms.

  2. Physical Therapy: If your symptoms are due to post-stroke spasticity, working with a physical therapist could potentially help improve your mobility and reduce your symptoms.

  3. Stay Hydrated and Eat a Balanced Diet: This can help manage symptoms of orthostatic hypotension.

What you should look out for

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

  • Sudden onset of severe headache
  • Sudden onset of weakness or numbness on one side of your body
  • Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
  • Sudden vision changes
  • Loss of balance or coordination
  • A seizure that lasts longer than 5 minutes or is accompanied by difficulty breathing, severe headache, or chest pain.

Remember, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may not apply to your situation. Always consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate examination, diagnosis, and treatment.

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8 mo ago

People Also Ask

What is post-stroke spasticity and how is it treated?

Post-stroke spasticity is a condition where muscles become stiff or tight due to increased muscle tone after a stroke. It can interfere with movement and posture. Treatment options include physical therapy, medications like muscle relaxants, and in some cases, surgery.

Can a stroke lead to seizures, and what are the treatment options?

Yes, a stroke can lead to seizures as it can cause damage to the brain that disrupts normal electrical activity. Treatment typically involves anti-seizure medications, and in some cases, surgery or other therapies may be considered.

What is orthostatic hypotension and how can it be managed?

Orthostatic hypotension is a form of low blood pressure that occurs when standing up from sitting or lying down, leading to dizziness or fainting. It can be managed with lifestyle changes such as staying hydrated, wearing compression stockings, and medications to increase blood pressure.

What are the warning signs that require immediate medical attention after a stroke?

Warning signs that require immediate medical attention after a stroke include sudden severe headache, sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking or understanding speech, sudden vision changes, loss of balance or coordination, and seizures lasting longer than 5 minutes or accompanied by difficulty breathing, severe headache, or chest pain.

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