I woke up a couple of days ago, and in the shower I have noticed tingling in the finger tips of my left hand. And then the tingling and the numbness has been persisting for a few days now.
I still have numbness in my pinky and the ring finger.
I also have noticed during this onset some tingling in my right hand as well. But the right hand tingling didn't last too long.
It subsided during the rest of the day
Then it was around 6 in the evening. I have had my dinner and was getting back to my room to pack my stuff. It came on pretty strong. In both hands and probably on the left hand side of the whole body.
I went downstairs, got a cab and went to ER. The doctor chcked me out and ruled out any stroke. He suspects something in my elbow.
If it is in my elbow I am not sure why my left body and my right hand, even though momentarily.
Initial Search
I don't think it is carpel tunnel. Indications are the carpel tunnel will impact the thumb and the index finger.
One thought is the ulnar nerve. Here are two links on this subject.
Here is a thread about a similar incident
Here is some information about the ulnar nerve
Another thought is that there is a pinched nerve in the neck. This is possible as that could impact the whole nervous system.
Satya - Tuesday, August 09, 2005 1:07:46 PM
Incidentally the neck spasm the day before
The night before I had a pretty bad neck spasm extending into the left shoulder. I went to a pharmacy and took 1 aleve and one of those sticky heating pads that go on my back.
I was able to sleep through the night well.
Then this in the morning
Wonder if that neck thingy is related to this. Because other than this there was nothing that could have pinched a nerve in my elbow.
Satya - Tuesday, August 09, 2005 6:37:36 PM
Cubital Tunnel syndrome
A very important cause of CTS that must not be overlooked is neck problems
"Unfortunately in a majority of cases, you will never experience actual discomfort in the neck with cubital tunnel syndrome. It?s important to note that only a Doctor of Chiropractic can determine if the neck is the source of your problem. Physical therapists and medical doctors do not receive training in locating and correcting spinal subluxations ? the misalignments that irritate and distort nerve function."
Satya - Tuesday, August 09, 2005 6:41:51 PM
Neck and shoulder areas
Other conditions resembling cubital tunnel syndrome include compression of the nerves in the neck and shoulder area, or compression of the ulnar nerve in the wrist. These conditions can often be excluded by physical examination, however, it may be necessary to obtain special x-rays, vascular tests, or nerve testing to help with the diagnosis.
Satya - Tuesday, August 09, 2005 6:44:42 PM
How is cubital tunnel syndrome diagnosed?
nerve conduction test - a test to determine how fast signals travel down a nerve to detect a compression or constriction.
electromyogram (EMG) - a test to evaluate nerve and muscle function; a test of the forearm muscles controlled by the ulnar nerve. If the muscles do not function properly, this may indicate that the ulnar nerve is not functioning properly.
Satya - Tuesday, August 09, 2005 7:01:18 PM
An exhaustive study on this
Satya - Wednesday, August 10, 2005 6:22:26 PM
Neck exercises
Nice site with lots of information
annonymous - Monday, August 15, 2005 6:22:31 PM
Sites of compression for the nerve
These include the Struthers arcade, the anconeus epitrochlearis, the intermuscular septum, the Osborne band, and the aponeurosis of the FCU.
annonymous - Monday, August 15, 2005 6:23:42 PM
Treatment!
Nonsurgical measures include nighttime pillow splints to keep the elbow extended. Rest and anti-inflammatory medications are also useful. Surgical methods focus on releasing the nerve along its course at sites of compression, preventing subluxation over the medial epicondyle, and preventing traction or tension on the nerve with elbow motion. Most commonly, decompression, medial epicondylectomy, anterior transposition (subcutaneous vs submuscular), or a combination of these is used.
annonymous - Monday, August 15, 2005 6:38:04 PM
Neck again
One must be careful to evaluate other causes of ulnar nerve distribution numbness and tingling such as compression of the ulnar nerve at the wrist (Guyon's canal compression syndrome) and thoracic outlet syndrome (involving compression of the brachial plexus in the shoulder/neck region which most frequently involves the lower roots causing numbness and tingling in the ring and small finger)
annonymous - Monday, August 15, 2005 6:40:40 PM
Diagnostic tests
1. Radiographs of the elbow.
2. Electromyographic and nerve conduction studies.
3. Rule out metabolic factors that could give rise to peripheral neuropathy such as diabetes and pernicious anemia and other metabolic disorders, including chronic alcoholism.
annonymous - Monday, August 15, 2005 6:41:47 PM
Neck thing again
The most difficult differentiation generally involves patients who have neck pain or symptoms related to the neck/shoulder region.
annonymous - Monday, August 15, 2005 6:43:21 PM
Is there a musle atrophy?
The pain has been there all this time. Has there been any musle decay?
annonymous - Monday, August 15, 2005 6:48:39 PM
Thoracic outlet syndrome
I have been noticing fatigue in my legs, not significantly but suspicious. I do have pains in both my hands and shoulders for a long time. I have been thinking of getting tested for arthiritis.
I have carried a laptop for a couple of years on my shoulder. Could this cause it?
Satya - Monday, August 15, 2005 6:51:44 PM
Physical therapy for thoraic outlet syndrome
Satya - Saturday, August 27, 2005 2:17:10 PM
Still numb and tingly
it has been a month now. I still feel numbness. On and off I am taking advil. Not consistent. I need to do that and see what happens.
It is slightly less in the last few days.
Satya - Saturday, August 27, 2005 2:18:25 PM
MRI
Went through MRI. This is where you are sent into a tube for 30 minutes. You wlll hear lot of noises through MRI. You have ear muffs. A bit of help. a scary thing (mentally) all in all.
Satya - Saturday, August 27, 2005 2:19:56 PM
Minimal c3-c4 and c6-c7 left paracentral borad based disc bulge
That is the read from the mri. I will be visiting a neurologist for this and a nerve conductivity test on the 30th.