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Suggest Treatment For Arm Paresthesia And Shoulder Pain Post Shoulder Trauma

Posted on Fri, 20 Nov 2015

Question: Hey my wife bended her shoulder and a crunching sound came in her shoulder, her symptoms now are - no sensation in the 3 fingers (pinky and the two next to it) - no sensation in the lower arm - stabbing pain in the whole shouldrer and arm - touch sensitive ( even clothes hurts sometimes) she have been to the doctor and they dont know what is wrong, she have had all the different types of scans made (footnote - the vibrations in the scanner make her upper bicep to the shoulder swell and hurt) and they show no answer, she have had blocades done witch resulted in a paralysed arm for 6 days, she have had the electrode test on the nerves but nothing to show and a paralyzed arm for 5 days, then she went to a pain clinic and he made all the tests on her arm and told her she have some sort of nerve damage but he cant by law diagnose her, we are at a loss on what to do next as the doctors literaly have given up, can you please help in telling us what we should do next cause she cant live the rest of her life with this insane pain, and this all hapened now 3 years ago and she is getting exausted

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (15 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
More information needed.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.

I have read your query and understand your concerns.

First, I need to ask you for more information about the tests ( scanners ) that have been done about your wife's concerns.

-There was done a CT scan or a MRI scan?

-What parts of the arm were scanned?

- Was included in the examination the cervical spinal cord?

-Any medications used?

Your wife's symptoms seems to be most likely neurologic, so, a neurological examination is needed (muscles strength, coordination, sensitivity changes, reflexes).

This is preliminary, but, in my opinion, nerve (s) were strained during bending of the shoulder.

If is not done, a cervical cord and brachial plexus MRI of the affected side are needed to have a better understanding of your wife's condition.

Awaiting for more information......

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (2 hours later)

Both scans have been made of her shoulder and her top arm . Yes she have been examined and it did not show any abnormalties. She have used alot of different types but the last one she used was gigt-medication as they told that works for nerve damage aswell - she havent taken any medication for her arm only pain releavers. She have had a neurolic examination done and strength is lowered and coordination is fine and sensitivity is heightened and the reflexes are the same as normal. Both mri have been made - back - neck - shoulder - arm and they couldent find anything wrong .

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (14 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Complex regional pain syndrome.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back and thanks for the clarifications.

iIn this case, complex regional pain syndrome should be considered as a possible diagnosis.

Trauma caused by articulations strained also is known as a possible mechanism of damage.

Sympathetic nervous system tests (measurements of temperature, sweating, blood flow in different areas of the affected arm) are needed besides the previous imaging studies.

So, I suggest you to discuss with your wife's Neurologist about Complex regional pain syndrome as a possible diagnosis and treatment.

Hope I helped you. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Best regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina