First of all I have no health insurance and that is why I am asking for advice online before I go to the doctor for nothing. Today as I was sitting on the couch my left arm went numb as well as my hand and fingers only on the left side. Later I noticed the left side of my upper lip was also numb. several minutes later my vision in the left eye seemed to have black spotty appearances and then an hour or so later I had an headache above my right eyebrow. Is this cause for alarm? A year or so ago I was told I had tendinitis and my hands often seem to hurt or draw up but no numbness. My arm still feels alittle awkward as I am online now seeking help. Please try to offer advice if time permits it is too costly to go to the doctor and not find out anything

Dr. Joshua’s Answer

It’s possible that you suffered an episode of hemiplegic migraine. Typically, hemiplegic migraine begins with numbness and/or weakness on one side of the body, after a while these symptoms resolve as the headache begins. Often patients go to sleep and wake up with the numbness/weakness gone but replaced by a bad headache. Visual disturbances such as spots commonly occur at the onset of migraines (it’s called visual aura).

However, these symptoms warrant seeking immediate medical attention, as it is not possible to differentiate hemiplegic migraine from stroke at the onset of symptoms. A neurologist needs to examine you and make the diagnosis. Call your doctor today and ask for advice. If you experience these symptoms again, go to the ER immediately.