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What Causes Burns On Hand After An Electric Shock And Occasional Numbness?
Question: Hi I received an electric shock three days ago and minor burns to my hand. Since then I'm experiencing pins and needles and occasional numbness.
What should I do?
What should I do?
Brief Answer:
Possible injury to peripheral nerves
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Electric shock is often related to neurological delayed effects. I am assuming that the electrical shock wasn't associated with throwing you away or intense muscle spasms which could be associated with spinal trauma and damage to the spinal cord, usually situation would be serious and you would be in a hospital.
However even if that wasn't the case, symptoms such as paresthesia (pins and needles) or numbness are common in the aftermath. They can appear right soon after the incident or at times even weeks after. That is due to damage to the peripheral nerves by the current. At times there are psychological factors like anxiety which influence symptoms as well.
While not threatening there is no specific medication for that type of injury, the healing process will take its time and there is a chance that some symptoms may persist for some time. Often vitamin B compounds and folic acid are given, but there is no real evidence of their efficacy.
I suggest that a test to assess nerve damage such as nerve conduction studies is scheduled, which might allow for a prediction for the future. If the symptoms are very bothering to you they might be alleviated by neuropathic pain treatment like some antidepressants (amitriptyline, duloxetine).
I remain at your disposal for further questions.
Possible injury to peripheral nerves
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Electric shock is often related to neurological delayed effects. I am assuming that the electrical shock wasn't associated with throwing you away or intense muscle spasms which could be associated with spinal trauma and damage to the spinal cord, usually situation would be serious and you would be in a hospital.
However even if that wasn't the case, symptoms such as paresthesia (pins and needles) or numbness are common in the aftermath. They can appear right soon after the incident or at times even weeks after. That is due to damage to the peripheral nerves by the current. At times there are psychological factors like anxiety which influence symptoms as well.
While not threatening there is no specific medication for that type of injury, the healing process will take its time and there is a chance that some symptoms may persist for some time. Often vitamin B compounds and folic acid are given, but there is no real evidence of their efficacy.
I suggest that a test to assess nerve damage such as nerve conduction studies is scheduled, which might allow for a prediction for the future. If the symptoms are very bothering to you they might be alleviated by neuropathic pain treatment like some antidepressants (amitriptyline, duloxetine).
I remain at your disposal for further questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you for your answer.
At the moment I'm starting to run a fever and have the most terrible headache I've zero cold like symptoms. I've tried paracetamol but that hasn't helped. I'm really feeling a bit funny.
At the moment I'm starting to run a fever and have the most terrible headache I've zero cold like symptoms. I've tried paracetamol but that hasn't helped. I'm really feeling a bit funny.
Brief Answer:
Read below
Detailed Answer:
Hello again! Thank you for the update.
The fact that you are running a fever is unusual, it shouldn't be a consequence of an electrical injury of the kind you describe. The only way it could be related is if your burns are more serious than you think they are, with more damage under the surface to the muscles.
So given the closeness in time which makes it unlikely for the fever to have another unrelated cause, I think you should get checked in the emergency service, both having a physical exam of your wounds as well as some lab tests for infection, kidney and muscle damage, electrolyte abnormalities.
I hope you'll get better soon
Read below
Detailed Answer:
Hello again! Thank you for the update.
The fact that you are running a fever is unusual, it shouldn't be a consequence of an electrical injury of the kind you describe. The only way it could be related is if your burns are more serious than you think they are, with more damage under the surface to the muscles.
So given the closeness in time which makes it unlikely for the fever to have another unrelated cause, I think you should get checked in the emergency service, both having a physical exam of your wounds as well as some lab tests for infection, kidney and muscle damage, electrolyte abnormalities.
I hope you'll get better soon
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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