Symptom 4. Paralysis or Numbness of the Face, Arm, or Leg – The Unsettling Numbness
Paralysis or numbness of the face, arm, or leg can be a particularly alarming symptom of cerebrovascular disease. Often, this numbness or paralysis may occur on one side of the body, depending on the part of the brain affected by the cerebrovascular event.
This symptom is usually due to a stroke or transient ischemic attack, where the blood flow to a particular part of the brain gets interrupted, causing damage to the brain cells. Depending on the region of the brain affected, individuals may experience paralysis or numbness in different body parts. For example, if the cerebrovascular event affects the left side of the brain, symptoms will appear on the right side of the body, and vice versa.
Paralysis or numbness can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life, affecting their mobility and ability to perform everyday tasks. It’s also a major sign of a severe cerebrovascular event and requires immediate medical attention. The faster a stroke or transient ischemic attack is identified and treated, the better the chances of recovering and minimizing long-term damage. (4)
