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Suggest Treatment For Arterial Injuries Of The Upper Limb
Question: First of all I don't ever expect customer service as I have received here. This is the third time Dr XXXXXXX has contacted me to see how his response was. Thank you Dr XXXXXXX Anyway Dr XXXXXXX we have spoken with her primary care Dr and he gave us the run around. He said if it were arterial damage we would know within a couple of hours. Is this correct? Again thanks for the excellent customer service.
Brief Answer:
It could possibly be an arterial injury.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and Thanks for your question.
Good to hear from you.
Arterial damage of the upper limb usually does not present as drastically as lower limb ischemia. This is because the upper limb has better blood supply than the lower limb. If one artery gets blocked or injured, other arteries called collaterals take over immediately. Secondly, the upper limb does not have to bear weight, therefore the symptoms of upper limb arterial blockade are far more subtle and therefore delay in presentation and treatment. I am a Vascular Surgeon and have quite a lot of experience in upper and lower limb ischemia, blockade and injuries.
It is definitely possible for some sort of injury to one of the arteries leading to the hand. One artery injury would not lead to immediate pain and presentation could be the way she is now presenting. It would be beneficial to get a Color Doppler of the arterial system of that limb done. If it is clear then we can be rest assured of any arterial issues.
Take care and do let me know if there are any queries on this issue.
Dr Rishi, New XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
It could possibly be an arterial injury.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and Thanks for your question.
Good to hear from you.
Arterial damage of the upper limb usually does not present as drastically as lower limb ischemia. This is because the upper limb has better blood supply than the lower limb. If one artery gets blocked or injured, other arteries called collaterals take over immediately. Secondly, the upper limb does not have to bear weight, therefore the symptoms of upper limb arterial blockade are far more subtle and therefore delay in presentation and treatment. I am a Vascular Surgeon and have quite a lot of experience in upper and lower limb ischemia, blockade and injuries.
It is definitely possible for some sort of injury to one of the arteries leading to the hand. One artery injury would not lead to immediate pain and presentation could be the way she is now presenting. It would be beneficial to get a Color Doppler of the arterial system of that limb done. If it is clear then we can be rest assured of any arterial issues.
Take care and do let me know if there are any queries on this issue.
Dr Rishi, New XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
Thank you Dr XXXXXXX Your answer to our problem makes sense. I will give your answer to our primary care physician and try to get a color Doppler again. I will let you know the outcome. thanks XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Good to hear from you.
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
Good to hear from you.
The pain is probably due to smaller artery problem and it is possible that no treatment could be offered. But its a little early to say. Color Doppler would be able to solve that mystery. If it is not arterial then the only other thing left would be nerve causes. And that can be managed only with medications which a Neurologist would be best at.
Take care and do let me know the outcome.
Regards,
Dr Rishi, New XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
Good to hear from you.
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
Good to hear from you.
The pain is probably due to smaller artery problem and it is possible that no treatment could be offered. But its a little early to say. Color Doppler would be able to solve that mystery. If it is not arterial then the only other thing left would be nerve causes. And that can be managed only with medications which a Neurologist would be best at.
Take care and do let me know the outcome.
Regards,
Dr Rishi, New XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
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