33-Year-Old Experiencing Stroke-Like Symptoms and Intense Lower Back Pain
Hello everyone, I’m reaching out to share details about my brother, who is currently hospitalized. At 33 years old, he leads a healthy lifestyle, maintaining good hygiene and a balanced diet. He works out regularly, focusing primarily on weightlifting, although I often encourage him to incorporate cardio into his routine. For some context, he has generally enjoyed good health up until August 2024. During a softball game, he abruptly lost sensation in his right hand, experienced numbness on the right side of his face, and soon found himself unable to stand due to a lack of feeling in his right leg. After being rushed to the hospital via ambulance, doctors performed a CT scan and MRI, discovering he had suffered a mini stroke accompanied by minor damage to his brain. The doctors speculated that a narrow blood vessel in his shoulder or neck could have contributed to this incident. Unfortunately, I wasn't present when the doctors communicated these findings, so my information is somewhat secondhand. Following a few days in the hospital, he returned home with a prescription for low-dose aspirin to help prevent blood clotting, which he has diligently taken over the past year. However, he has struggled with intermittent lower back pain for the last six years due to a herniated disc sustained while deadlifting. Fast forward to mid-2025, his back pain has escalated significantly, leading to another MRI that confirmed a herniated disc. Currently, he experiences severe pain radiating down his left leg, accompanied by tingling and numbness. In hopes of alleviating his discomfort, he has scheduled a cortisone injection this coming Monday because his condition has reached a point where he is unable to work. Additionally, he was advised to halt the use of aspirin in preparation for the cortisone treatment and prescribed pain medication. On Sunday, September 7, while watching a YouTube video at home, he began to feel numbness and diminished sensation in his right hand and parts of his face. Concerned that he might be experiencing a recurrence of last year's episode due to the familiar symptoms, his wife called for an ambulance, and he was taken to the emergency room. They conducted CT and CTA scans, as well as another MRI for his head. Fortunately, no new issues were identified, although they noted the previously observed brain damage appears to be healing. I suggested that he request a spinal MRI to determine if the herniated disc might be exerting pressure on something, potentially explaining his current symptoms. Ultimately, he is about to be discharged from the hospital without a clear diagnosis for this latest issue, which is incredibly frustrating for both of us. I am looking for insights or guidance on what steps he should take next. I’ve done some research, and while I don’t consider myself an expert compared to his medical team, the possibility of a spinal stroke seems plausible, especially as they have ruled out any connection to the herniated disc. If further details are necessary, I'm happy to provide them. I’ve shared everything I know about his situation and would appreciate any suggestions or advice. Thank you!
Answers (1)
9/8/2025, 4:40:54 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like your brother is going through a very challenging time with his health, and it's completely understandable that you're seeking clarity and guidance regarding his symptoms and care. His history of mini-strokes and current severe back pain with radicular symptoms adds complexity to his situation. Here's a breakdown of the key points and suggestions for his next steps:
Main Points
- Current Symptoms: He is experiencing recurrent numbness and weakness, which can be concerning given his medical history of a mini-stroke.
- Back Pain and Herniated Disc: He has a long-standing issue with a herniated disc that is causing significant discomfort and potentially contributing to new neurological symptoms.
- Need for Clarity: He is being discharged without a definitive diagnosis, which can be frustrating.
Explanation
Your brother's history of a mini-stroke, coupled with recurrent symptoms, necessitates careful evaluation. While the recent scans showed no new issues in the brain, the numbness and weakness could still be related to either his cervical spine (neck region) due to the herniated disc or other neurological issues. The cortisone injection may provide relief for the back pain, but the lingering symptoms warrant further investigation to rule out other potential causes such as nerve compression or spinal vascular issues.
Next Steps
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Request a Spinal MRI: Encourage him to discuss with his healthcare provider the need for a spinal MRI to assess the status of the herniated disc and its potential impact on nearby nerves or the spinal cord.
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Follow-Up with a Neurologist: Given the complexity of his situation, a follow-up appointment with a neurologist may help address the recurring neurological symptoms. The neurologist can evaluate if further testing or intervention is required.
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Maintain Communication with Care Providers: Encourage your brother to keep a detailed diary of his symptoms, including when they occur, their duration, and any activities that seem to trigger them. This information can be invaluable during doctor visits.
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Pain Management Strategies: While waiting for the cortisone injection, he can explore other non-invasive pain management strategies, such as physical therapy, gentle stretching exercises, and applications of heat or cold to relieve discomfort. He should avoid activities that exacerbate his symptoms.
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Stay Educated and Informed: It's important for your brother to be informed about symptoms that warrant immediate medical attention, such as sudden increases in pain, new weakness, loss of bowel or bladder control, or persistent dizziness.
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Seek Support: Given the emotional strain of dealing with these health issues, he and his family should consider support groups for chronic pain or neurological issues, as sharing experiences with others can be helpful.
Feeling frustrated is normal, especially when facing uncertain health challenges. Encourage him to stay proactive in advocating for his health and exploring all available avenues for relief. If you need more specific information or support, please feel free to reach out.
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