A stroke represents a medical emergency that occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted, or when sudden bleeding happens within the brain. This interruption deprives brain cells of oxygen and essential nutrients, causing them to begin dying within minutes. Prompt recognition and intervention are necessary to mitigate lasting brain damage, long-term disability, or even death.
Stroke’s Impact on Sensation
A stroke can indeed cause numbness on one side of the body, including the right side. This occurs because the brain controls movement and sensation on the opposite side of the body, a principle known as contralateral control. Therefore, a stroke affecting the left side of the brain can result in symptoms, such as numbness or weakness, appearing on the right side of the face, arm, or leg.
When a stroke disrupts blood flow, it damages brain cells in the affected area. If this damage occurs in the somatosensory cortex, the part of the brain responsible for processing sensory information, it can lead to altered sensations like numbness, tingling, or a complete loss of feeling. Severity and extent of numbness depend on the specific brain area affected and damage sustained. This sensory deficit often appears suddenly and can range from a mild tingling to a profound inability to feel touch or temperature.
Other Reasons for Right-Sided Numbness
While a stroke can cause right-sided numbness, several other conditions can also lead to this symptom. Nerve compression occurs when a nerve is squeezed or irritated, often resulting in numbness or tingling. This can happen in conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, a herniated disc, or a pinched nerve.
Migraines, particularly those with aura, can manifest with sensory symptoms like numbness or tingling. This sensation often begins gradually, spreading from the lips and tongue to one side of the face and hand, and usually resolves within an hour. Peripheral neuropathy, which involves damage to nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, can also cause numbness, described as pins-and-needles or burning.
Multiple sclerosis (MS), an autoimmune condition affecting the brain and spinal cord, can cause numbness. This numbness can occur in various parts of the body, including one side. A transient ischemic attack (TIA), often referred to as a “mini-stroke,” presents with symptoms identical to a stroke, including numbness on one side of the body. However, TIA symptoms are temporary, lasting only a few minutes to an hour, and resolve completely within 24 hours.
Recognizing a Medical Emergency
Recognizing the signs of a medical emergency is important when experiencing sudden numbness, especially on one side of the body. If numbness appears abruptly or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, immediate medical attention is necessary. The “FAST” acronym serves as a tool to help identify stroke symptoms. Even if symptoms seem to improve or disappear, prompt emergency medical care is important, as it could indicate a TIA, which often serves as a warning sign for a future stroke.
- Face drooping: One side of the face may droop or feel numb, making a smile uneven.
- Arm weakness: One arm may feel weak or numb, causing it to drift downward when attempting to raise both arms.
- Speech difficulty: Includes slurred speech, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding others.
- Time: Call 911 immediately if any of these signs are observed.