Trena: while I am a Caregiver, as a nurse I also deal with TIAs on a regular basis. I know our Neuro's say that a TIA leaves no residual - that is what classifies them as a TIA as opposed to stroke. However, think about what happens during a TIA. There is a loss of blood supply to the area and however long that may be, there has to be some effect. Small maybe and just maybe there was no tissue death or another area picked up the tasks. But nerves are so tiny and so abundant. Muscles are a major concern for the body and rewiring for them is a priority, but not so much nerves.

Also nerve damage is a very long process to recover from. If those affected nerves did not have a sheathing - called myelin - they may never recover fully. Myelin acts like a homing device - it will try to find more myelin to join up with. But those nerves are rare and usually only handle the major jobs in the brain.

You will probably just have to learn to deal with this. Ice or heat will not help. Nerves do not have pain receptors. Positioning can help, but this is in your face. Rest the hand in the most comfortable position you can find. I have Carpal Tunnel - also nerve-related - and finding that comfort zone can be difficult. Make sure your neck and shoulders are supported well. Elevation probably won't help. For you face, do the smiling and relax, frowning and relax. Head forward, head back exercises. Best you can do. Try to avoid any dependent position of your head - you need a good supporting pillow and good posture is imperative: straight back chair, lumbar support in the car or on the couch.

Just some ideas. Hope this helps. Debbie

Ray had numbness after his first stroke in 1990. He continued to have it for many years but I think got used to it and learned to live with it. You need to ask your neurologist about it.

Welcome to the Blog Community, I am Sue, from Australia, caregiver to my husband Ray who died in 2012. I am still a volunteer on here and am the Moderator in the Blog Community. I read all the Blogs and comment when I can if only to give you a warm welcome. Hope to read more of your journey with stroke as you add more blogs.

(((hugs))) from Sue.