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Difficulty In Using The Left Arm. Any Thing Serious?

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Posted on Wed, 11 Sep 2013
Question: I have been feeling a few of these symptoms, but this morning in the shower I found it difficult to use my left arm, I was dropping things and even now, an hour later, to use my left arm takes concentration. Also my left eye is not working properly.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Likely to be a nerve related symptom.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for trusting us with your health concern.
The difficulty in using the left arm and the difficulty in using the left eye seems to be due to nerve related symptoms.
This can happen due to keeping your arm stretched over your head while sleeping that causes stretching of the nerves. In that case the symptoms are likely to subside gradually over next 1-2 days.
In case the symptoms are persistent, other common causes like nutritional deficiency,allergic reactions,excessive cold,exposure to chemicals,electrolyte imbalance, cervical spondylosis, etc need to be ruled out after proper investigations under the guidance of a neurologist.
Please feel free to discuss further. I will be glad to answer the follow up queries that you have.
Please accept my answer in case you do not have further queries.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Rakhi Tayal.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (38 minutes later)
Thank you Dr. Tayal. My concern is that it might be a heart problem as my father died of heart disease at 57 and my sister, who is 72, had a heart attack the year before last. I do have slightly high cholesterol that I keep under control with natural therapies, diet, and homeopathics. So it was a relief that you think it could be a nerve problem. Whenever I have tests done (which I haven't for the last 12 months) the only problem that shows up is the cholesterol. Is there any test that can be done to determine the state of the heart? I am planning to travel to Mexico next February so I want to be as healthly as possible!!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (7 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
With a high cholesterol, cardiac check up is must.

Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thanks for writing again.
The tests needed to find out any cardiac pathology include-
1. Complete blood counts, vitamin B 12 levels
‎2. ECG in all leads with a rhythm strip in lead 2
3. Lipid profile , Blood sugar (Fasting and Post prandial), HBAIC,
4. Thyroid function tests
5. Chem 14 panel

In case the above tests indicate any abnormality, further tests need to be done which include:-

‎1. Holter monitor
2. Echocardiography
3. Chest Xray
4. Lung function tests
5. Tread mill test
Hope my answer is helpful.
If you do not have any clarifications, you can close the discussion and rate the answer. Wish you good health.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal

OBGYN

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 14041 Questions

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Difficulty In Using The Left Arm. Any Thing Serious?

Brief Answer:
Likely to be a nerve related symptom.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for trusting us with your health concern.
The difficulty in using the left arm and the difficulty in using the left eye seems to be due to nerve related symptoms.
This can happen due to keeping your arm stretched over your head while sleeping that causes stretching of the nerves. In that case the symptoms are likely to subside gradually over next 1-2 days.
In case the symptoms are persistent, other common causes like nutritional deficiency,allergic reactions,excessive cold,exposure to chemicals,electrolyte imbalance, cervical spondylosis, etc need to be ruled out after proper investigations under the guidance of a neurologist.
Please feel free to discuss further. I will be glad to answer the follow up queries that you have.
Please accept my answer in case you do not have further queries.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Rakhi Tayal.