paralysis of arms, hands, and voice, night sweats

I am seriously worried about my husband.  He doesn't go to the doctor even if there are warning signs.  He has suffered with night sweats for some time now.  But recently, on 2 occasions, I have awoke to a sound that I couldn't identify until being awake for a few minutes.  It was my husband asking for my help, but his voice didn't sound anything like usual.  He was paralyzed and could only get out sounds trying to wake me up. Within about 5 minutes he seemed ok, but he told me he awoke, couldn't talk or move. Last night he had one of these episodes and we got up at 4:00 because he didn't want to go back to sleep.  He had a slight headache all day and came home from work a little early to take more tylenol and take a nap.  My husband is overweight, and he doesn't get much exercise.  He smokes about a pack of cigarettes a day and has been smoking about 35 years.  Since we have been married he has quit for about 2 of those years. I don't want to overreact, but I have searched the internet and haven't come up with anything that matches his symptoms.


This discussion is related to Numbness in hands during sleep.

[Yvette BG]

Hi Renee--
How scary and upsetting this must be for you! I'm not a doctor, but it sounds like he could have something neurological going on. When people can't talk or move, they could be having a stroke or mini-stroke, among other things.

Does he have high blood pressure? What does his family history look like and how old is he?  

He definitely needs to see a doctor, but how to get him there is the silver-dollar question. My mother refused to see a doctor for 25+ years. Finally took her repeatedly passing out and hitting her head hard on cement before she agreed to see someone. Very frustrating and disturbing.

To be frank and blunt, does he know how worried you are? If you've already told him how worried you are, that you love him and want him around, etc. (and also how this is affecting your sleep and mood, right?) and if he still refuses to see a doctor, I'd be inclined the next time it happens to call 911 to figure out what's going on. First I'd try offering to go with him to the doctor if you think he's a bit afraid to go alone but doesn't want to admit it. If he refuses to see a doctor, then I think I'd ask him what he would do if the situation were reversed. If that doesn't get him to agree to see a doctor, then I would tell him you'll call 911 next time. Yes, it's harsh, but sometimes you have to do what you have to do.

I know this is much easier said than done...Good luck!