Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Thursday, September 04, 2008 liz asks

Q: Should I go to the hospital for every hemiplegic episode I have?

I've been hospitalized three times.  I have had dozens of episodes over the past four years and they are now exasperating my asthma.  My neurologist diagnosed me with SHM because we have not completed any genetic confirmations through my family, but I do have a mutation gene that verifies my condition. 

 

I need to know how serious this whole situation is.  My right side is notibly weaker than my left.  I walk with a cane and suffer severe pain on my muscles after the episodes subside.  Sure...they say these reversible symptoms, but sometimes it takes a lot of work and a long time to regain muscle strength...and that's if another episode doesn't start you over from the beginning.  I haven't gone in for every episode, but sometimes I'm not sure.

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Answers (2)
Teri Robert, Health Guide
9/ 5/08 2:13am

Liz,

 

This is a situation you need to discuss with your doctors. It's simply not safe for anyone else to answer you. Sorry. Ask the doctor who treats you for asthma and the doctor who treats you for Migraine to confer, preferably on a conference call with YOU.

 

Still, when you're not sure, go to the ER. When in doubt, CHECK IT OUT.

 

Teri

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9/ 5/08 1:28am

First, I am NOT a doctor, but a fellow sufferer of hemiplegic episodes as well as asthma.  My foremost recommendation, in light of the fact that your episodes are exacerbating your asthma is that you discuss this with both your pulmonologist and your neurologist and ask flat out "are my episodes a medical emergency or can they be safely treated at home?"  Your doctors are the only ones who really know your particular case and can answer that accurately.  And asking separately of both specialties means covering all your bases, because a great neurologist may not know a whole lot about asthma (and vice versa). 

 

I have full-blown paralysis during some of my episodes, but my docs are actually okay with me not rushing to the ER for every attack.  The exceptions are if the paralysis affects my airway that time, or if I somehow physically injure myself as a consequence of its sudden onset (possible concussion or whatnot).  It's similar to the "rules" about whether to call an ambulance for a person with known epilepsy having a seizure.  Bottom line:  your docs should be able to tell you what is hospital-worthy, what merits a phone call to the dr's office, and what you can just keep track of and report at your next appointment.  Until you know for sure?  I'd say err on the side of caution especially if you're having trouble breathing!!!

 

 

 

 

 

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By liz— Last Modified: 11/03/10, First Published: 09/04/08