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Suggest Treatment For Chest Pain And Numbness In The Elbows

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Posted on Mon, 7 Aug 2017
Question: hi ...retired PA actually...weird thing..just finished a farmers market where it was hot and humid..I am a vendor. packed up the car..took an hour...do this weekly. sitting here at home a half our later and I am getting complete numbness equally of both dorsal hands to the elbows and it is squeezing around my wrists??? tight..odd d=sensation ..never had before...I have seen neurosurgeon this week and have C7 radicular stuff going on and have had C5-6 fusion 19 yrs ago...
no chest pain or SOB
not sweating drinking ..have cooled off but thins is persisting
I had a acs on Tuesday negative for carpal tunnel bilateral..but did show cervical radiculopathy at several levels only on the left..these symptoms are equal bilaterally
tried relaxation breathing..no anxiety issues..
seems to be no better if not worse no almost an hour...should I be concerned..wow I misunderstood this service...I thought it was immediate.
my symptoms are worse and now there is a tight gripping sensation all the way up both arms nearly to my axillae..I am VERY concerned...please refund my $$ and I am off to the ED.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Metabolic origin most likely.

Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.

Let me reassure you that those symptoms are not indicative of something serious, certainly not of a brain/spinal cord issue which has other distribution of symptoms, nor of any heart or lung problem.

Given that peripheral nerve issues like carpal tunnel syndrome have been excluded by nerve conduction studies and the radiculopathy is only on one side I would consider at this point a metabolic cause.

Since symptoms started after being exposed to heat and humidity I would say dehydration and/or electrolyte alterations would be the most likely cause. They can often manifest with such abnormal sensations.

So I would give it some time, have plenty of fluids and rest, this should improve gradually.

I remain at your disposal for other questions.



Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Olsi Taka (1 hour later)
Thanks so so so much!...I started reading up on hypokalemia , etc (was a pa x 20 years..hospitalist, IM)...had a TBI with my spinal injury..so I unfortunately, despite my wonderful recovery...hey and I am by no means complaining...I just don't remember a lot!)...and sorry I was beginning to panics it moved up my arm and was quite frankly very tight...it is now back down both arms and over both wrists ...milder over the hands...but really tight along the wrists and forearms. ..amazing. XXXXXXX I had a few eggs..figured protein wouldn't hurt...and have had 40 oz of water/ la Croix drinks.. big storm here did not think it wise to drive and go sit in an er for negative enzymes and a waste of time.
again thanks. I will let you know if this is not resolving over the next ?6 -8 hours? fair enough?
xxxxx
doctor
Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Read below.

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for the update, of course I would like to know if things don't work out.

I do not think it necessary to go to the ER as well, not unless symptoms persist, as I said there is no indication of a threatening issue at stake.

Let me know if I can further assist you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Olsi Taka

Neurologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 3673 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Chest Pain And Numbness In The Elbows

Brief Answer: Metabolic origin most likely. Detailed Answer: I read your question carefully and I understand your concern. Let me reassure you that those symptoms are not indicative of something serious, certainly not of a brain/spinal cord issue which has other distribution of symptoms, nor of any heart or lung problem. Given that peripheral nerve issues like carpal tunnel syndrome have been excluded by nerve conduction studies and the radiculopathy is only on one side I would consider at this point a metabolic cause. Since symptoms started after being exposed to heat and humidity I would say dehydration and/or electrolyte alterations would be the most likely cause. They can often manifest with such abnormal sensations. So I would give it some time, have plenty of fluids and rest, this should improve gradually. I remain at your disposal for other questions.