The dreaded trigger….but also physical cold in the weaker side. When you Google this subject, there seems to be 3 suggested reasons but perhaps there is a 4th and a 5th. (my suggestions)
Cpsp is suggested post stroke as a possible reason. This is more to do with the sensation of cold initially, not genuinely cold limbs but as you can see, there is a connection. The body has an initial response to whole-body or local exposure of the extremities to cold which is a strong vasoconstriction (Inhibiting activity in blood vessels of the skin, causing blood to be shunted to the skin and an increased heat loss) This leads to a rapid decrease in hand and foot temperature.
Autonomic dysfunction. This effects items like blood pressure and heart rate.
"Reduced blood flow There are papers which suggest that post stroke,blood flow to the damaged side might be reduced by a third. Blood of course not only carries oxygen around the body but warmth.
My own (possible) suggestions to add would be
- Reduced movement It’s perfectly natural for the body to reduce movement when an area of the body is thought to have a pain sensation. You may not be aware of this for a while. That non usage may in itself generate cold limbs in the same way that happens if you sit still in a cool room.
- Burning sensation/heat. The body will surely react to lower the temperature of those areas. In a recent meeting I felt sure I was sat next to a heater that was on and was genuinely surprised that it was stone cold.