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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Tingling Sensation In The Arms And Syncope After Venipuncture?

I m a medical assistant student and attempted my second venipuncture today on a classmate with my teacher supervising. I got into her vein and began to draw a little blood, but she stated that her arm was tingly, so my teacher had me remove my needle. She than began to experience syncope (which she said was possible because she was sleep deprived and didn t eat much the day before). My teacher suggested that I rubbed against a nerve. I m terrified I seriously hurt this girl.
Fri, 21 Oct 2016
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi there,

No worries, syncope is quite a common reaction to venipuncture, regardless of whether you hit a nerve or not. Some people experience it even after having it done on them many times, and they usually inform us beforehand, and we simply have it done lying down. The tingly experience on the arm could be both by you getting too close to the nerve, or even just a tourniquet that has been applied too tightly or for too long. There is usually no long-term consequences of any of the above scenarios, and she should have recovered quite quickly.

Hope this helps, and welcome to the medical community!

Regards,
Dr. Teh
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What Causes Tingling Sensation In The Arms And Syncope After Venipuncture?

Hi there, No worries, syncope is quite a common reaction to venipuncture, regardless of whether you hit a nerve or not. Some people experience it even after having it done on them many times, and they usually inform us beforehand, and we simply have it done lying down. The tingly experience on the arm could be both by you getting too close to the nerve, or even just a tourniquet that has been applied too tightly or for too long. There is usually no long-term consequences of any of the above scenarios, and she should have recovered quite quickly. Hope this helps, and welcome to the medical community! Regards, Dr. Teh