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Is Nerve Damage After IV Injection For A CT Scan Possible?

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Posted on Sat, 5 Dec 2015
Question: I have a very moderate pain after iv poke for my ct scan
What should i do
Could be a permanent nerve damage
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (52 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Nerve damage after i.v. poke very rare.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.

I have read your question and understand your concerns.

The possibility of nerve damage after i.v. poke is very minimal, but still can happen.

Moderate local pain around the poke area can result from venous irritation by the contrast, or by migration of contrast outside the vein.

If the nerve was damaged, symptoms spread in a typical distribution in the territory supplied by that nerve.

Symptoms may include pain, pins and needles in that territory.

Even if the nerve was damaged, most cases result in improvement with time.

So, if only pain felt around poke area, with no pain or sensory changes in distance, there is no nerve damage.

I could have a better understanding of your condition if you will describe more in details location of the pain, distribution of pain and/or sensory changes.

Hope you found the answer helpful.

I remain at your disposal for further questions and clarifications.

Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (40 minutes later)
The poking was 4 weeks ago on my cephalic vein and it goes to my arm
It is not getting better and it numbs my hand sometimes
If that is the case and a damage happens what i suppose to do
What proves that the nurves damaged or not
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (16 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Nerve conduction study.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back and thanks for being on follow up.

Nerve conduction study is the best test to evaluate if nerve is damaged and to assess damage degree.

It is a simple, noninvasive test.

You should discuss with your primary care Doctor about getting this test done.

Hope I helped you.

Best regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (4 hours later)
Thank you for responding
1) does MRI help to diagnose it
2) if the nurve damage happened is it possible to be repaired
3) if it is possible how long it takes
Just pointing to the pain again
Pain around cephalic vein around my thumb also front on my elbow( anticubital area)
Pins kind of pain sometimes with numbness for 4 weeks
Thank you a lot
I am desparate what to do. I have canstant pain
Much appreciate your help and knowledg
e
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (11 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Follow up.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.

MRI could help in understanding the possible structural damages of nerve and/or the vein.

Nerve conduction study instead assesses the nerve functionality.

If the nerve is damaged, but there is continuity of nerve coverings, the improvement is possible and it takes 1 mm of nerve repair a day.

If nerve is damaged totally or severe nerve compression, surgery is needed.

Hope this helps.

Best regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (14 hours later)
Thanks doctor
That is my last question
I have sense in my hand and movement also. I didnt have contrast on that vein bcz after so much digging the nurse couldnt get it but from that moment i felt pain
I also have some like electrical shock feeling sometimes. I described pain on the previouse text.
1)What is the chance my nurve is damaged
2)If that is the case you think it is sever damage or not
Thanksalot
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (7 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Follow up.

Detailed Answer:
Hi again.

If nerve is damaged or not, this is assessed by evaluation of symptoms and tests mentioned before.

The chance for nerve to be damaged is very low, but still exists.

Since there are unconfined movements and sensation of the hand, just pain and numbness, it means that the nerve could be damaged only partially, or compressed by adjacent fibrosis.

Hope I helped you.

Best regards.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho

Neurologist, Surgical

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 4493 Questions

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Is Nerve Damage After IV Injection For A CT Scan Possible?

Brief Answer: Nerve damage after i.v. poke very rare. Detailed Answer: Hello and thanks for using HCM. I have read your question and understand your concerns. The possibility of nerve damage after i.v. poke is very minimal, but still can happen. Moderate local pain around the poke area can result from venous irritation by the contrast, or by migration of contrast outside the vein. If the nerve was damaged, symptoms spread in a typical distribution in the territory supplied by that nerve. Symptoms may include pain, pins and needles in that territory. Even if the nerve was damaged, most cases result in improvement with time. So, if only pain felt around poke area, with no pain or sensory changes in distance, there is no nerve damage. I could have a better understanding of your condition if you will describe more in details location of the pain, distribution of pain and/or sensory changes. Hope you found the answer helpful. I remain at your disposal for further questions and clarifications. Take care.