Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
What Causes Severe Pain In Arm Post Intravenous Injection?
Hello,
I just had an MRI done this morning. They needed to shoot dye in the veins via IV. I've had a few IV's in the past, but this one was extremely painful from the moment she inserted the needle. It was painful the whole time. I mentioned it to the nurse. She checked it and said everything seemed fine. I also had a numb pinky & ring finger. After the MRI, I had no strength in that hand. The nurse had to zip my blouse and button my sweater. It's now been 6 hrs since the IV was taken out. The fingers are still numb and very tingley. Is this normal? Will it go away?
I just had an MRI done this morning. They needed to shoot dye in the veins via IV. I've had a few IV's in the past, but this one was extremely painful from the moment she inserted the needle. It was painful the whole time. I mentioned it to the nurse. She checked it and said everything seemed fine. I also had a numb pinky & ring finger. After the MRI, I had no strength in that hand. The nurse had to zip my blouse and button my sweater. It's now been 6 hrs since the IV was taken out. The fingers are still numb and very tingley. Is this normal? Will it go away?
Thu, 27 Nov 2014
Brief Answer:
Should't be alarmed
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Welcome to Health Care Magic.
My name is Dr Muhammad Ahmad & i will look into your problem.
I have gone through your query and would try to help you in the best possible way.
It's always good to get a question from people who are so concerned about their health and drugs administered on them.Let me help you understand what happened there.
Reasons of Burning and tingling:
(1) There are some dyes which irritate the vein in which they are injected so the burning goes all the way where ever the vein supplies mostly arm and hands ,as most I-V are given in hand and arm areas.
(2) Sometimes Dyes aren't irritating themselves but veins of different patients react differently to dyes some may feel nothing and some may feel fire being injected in their vein.
(3) Patient may show local allergy to dye within the vein.
(4) A clot is formed which blocks the vessel and numbs the area (which is a remote possibility in your case because of no colour and temperature change)
What to do: (1) Drink good bit of water so that the dye leaves your body through urine.
(2) Keep an eye on symptoms if they are improving or not.
(3) IF i were your doctor i would have asked my patient to Take an over the counter antihistamine.
(4) Over the counter anti-inflammatory like Tylenol also works some times.
(5) Keep your arm warm.
(6) Wait for 24 hours if after all those remedies you see no improvement, consult your GP .
Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be happy.
Wishing you good health !!
Should't be alarmed
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Welcome to Health Care Magic.
My name is Dr Muhammad Ahmad & i will look into your problem.
I have gone through your query and would try to help you in the best possible way.
It's always good to get a question from people who are so concerned about their health and drugs administered on them.Let me help you understand what happened there.
Reasons of Burning and tingling:
(1) There are some dyes which irritate the vein in which they are injected so the burning goes all the way where ever the vein supplies mostly arm and hands ,as most I-V are given in hand and arm areas.
(2) Sometimes Dyes aren't irritating themselves but veins of different patients react differently to dyes some may feel nothing and some may feel fire being injected in their vein.
(3) Patient may show local allergy to dye within the vein.
(4) A clot is formed which blocks the vessel and numbs the area (which is a remote possibility in your case because of no colour and temperature change)
What to do: (1) Drink good bit of water so that the dye leaves your body through urine.
(2) Keep an eye on symptoms if they are improving or not.
(3) IF i were your doctor i would have asked my patient to Take an over the counter antihistamine.
(4) Over the counter anti-inflammatory like Tylenol also works some times.
(5) Keep your arm warm.
(6) Wait for 24 hours if after all those remedies you see no improvement, consult your GP .
Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be happy.
Wishing you good health !!
I find this answer helpful
2 Doctors agree with this answer
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Loading Online Doctors....