Brief Answer:
Possible nerve entrapment- carpal tunnel syndrome

Detailed Answer:
Good morning. I am Dr. Saghafi and a neurologist who would like to advise you that your symptoms of numbness and tingling in the left hand which awoke you from sleep with pain and discomfort is a set of symptoms that we frequently hear about in patients suffering from CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME.

This is where the median nerve becomes trapped at the level of the wrist causing pain, lack of sensations, and even tingling and other funny feelings. People often complain of not being able to open jars, manipulate small items, or perform tasks of repetitive movements before symptoms start.

Bactrim is not known to cause the symptoms you mention and especially so highly localized to the left wrist and only while asleep. This is the result most likely of a nerve entrapment and can be diagnosed by seeing a neurologist or other qualified physician who can perform a proper neurological examination of the hand and wrist as well as electrical studies to confirm the diagnosis.

Usually, treatment will first involve the use of wrist splints and occupational therapy in order to see if the nerve can be "loosened up" from wherever it may be compressed or stuck. If this approach is unsuccessful then, the next step could be surgical which is usually successful and improves all symptoms of discomfort following surgery. This assumes that the proper diagnosis is made and a surgeon with skill and experience does the procedure.

If I've answered your questions sufficiently would you please do me the favor of providing a STAR RATING and some brief written feedback. In addition, CLOSING THE QUERY on your end will also be most appreciated.

Here is my webpage you may use to keep me informed as to how you're doing:

bit.ly/drdariushsaghafi

This query required 24 minutes of physician specific time to read, research, and compile the return envoy to the patient.

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Brief Answer:
Pain relief

Detailed Answer:
Ice packs in the short run may give you temporary relief in order to take down swelling and inflammation. Try and take pressure off the wrist by lying on your back and using something to elevate the arm above heart level (you can use the ice pack or frozen vegetable bag). This may limit pain a bit but if you move around a lot at night then, you probably won't stay in this position for very long.

Finally, you may try some over the counter preparations such as ibuprofen or Naprosyn according to the instructions on the labels until you can get an appointment with a doctor and get a wrist brace to use, other medication that may help with the pain, and then, the all important electrical studies to be sure of the diagnosis before getting you into occupational therapy.

If you are also overweight by any significant amount (i.e. BMI >30) then, by addressing weight loss to get into range of a BMI of roughly 21-23 you will reduce pressure on the wrists and hence reduce pain and discomfort. Also, smoking may increase pain symptoms due to loss of oxygenated blood from the circulation to the hands making the compromised left side more vulnerable to the compressive effects of the carpal tunnel.

Naturally, none of those ideas will give you immediate relief tonight....but it's a start for long range improvement which will be important as well.

BTW, if it's of any consolation---BOTH OF US are up! LOL....and I have to be in the hospital by 7a plus I've got a presentation in the afternoon to give to a group of doctors who are interested in learning about headaches.

Once again, I'd appreciate the favor of your providing a STAR RATING and some brief written feedback if your questions have been satisfactorily answered. In addition, CLOSING THE QUERY on your end will also be most appreciated.

Here is my webpage you may use to keep me informed as to how you're doing:

bit.ly/drdariushsaghafi

This query has required a TOTAL of 38 minutes of physician specific time to read, research, and compile the return envoy to the patient.

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