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What Causes Sudden Shooting Pain In The Arm?
Question: Sudden sharp shooting pain down my right arm. Only lasts a few seconds and effects my fingers. Fingers spasm and seem paralyzed - I can't control fingers at that time
Brief Answer:
neuropathy- abnormal function of the nerves
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
This may be neuralgia (nerve related pain ) which is due to neuropathy (abnormal function of the nerves in the area).
This is the most common cause of the type of pain that you are describing.
There are different causes for neuropathy such as: (a) trauma to the nerves , this may be due to arthritis
In this case any arthritis of the neck or shoulder may be compressing or affecting nerves travelling in the region
(b)diabetes
(c) liver or kidney disease
(d)side effect of medication
(e)thyroid disease
(f)exposure to toxins
(g)autoimmune conditions such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
(h)vitamin b12 and folate deficiency
(i)idiopathic- in some cases the cause is not known
You consider imaging ( x ray) of the neck and shoulder to see if there are any changes that may be causing the problem
Blood tests to check for the conditions mentioned may also be helpful as well- diabetes screening, vitamin levels, liver and kidney function, thyroid etc
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
neuropathy- abnormal function of the nerves
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
This may be neuralgia (nerve related pain ) which is due to neuropathy (abnormal function of the nerves in the area).
This is the most common cause of the type of pain that you are describing.
There are different causes for neuropathy such as: (a) trauma to the nerves , this may be due to arthritis
In this case any arthritis of the neck or shoulder may be compressing or affecting nerves travelling in the region
(b)diabetes
(c) liver or kidney disease
(d)side effect of medication
(e)thyroid disease
(f)exposure to toxins
(g)autoimmune conditions such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
(h)vitamin b12 and folate deficiency
(i)idiopathic- in some cases the cause is not known
You consider imaging ( x ray) of the neck and shoulder to see if there are any changes that may be causing the problem
Blood tests to check for the conditions mentioned may also be helpful as well- diabetes screening, vitamin levels, liver and kidney function, thyroid etc
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I do not think I have arthritis of the neck or shoulders though I do have muscle tenderness of my back and shoulders when touched by massage therapist,to the point where I tell them to quit. I have thought it might be a vitamin deficiency since I don't take vitamins on a regular basis. As for diabetes I had an A1c test last year and the level was 5 which was normal.
Brief Answer:
vitamin deficiency is one possible cause
Detailed Answer:
HI
Vitamin deficiency is one potential cause and the normal HbA1c would rule out diabetes
You can consider having your levels tested or simply use replacement supplements if testing is not an option at this time
vitamin deficiency is one possible cause
Detailed Answer:
HI
Vitamin deficiency is one potential cause and the normal HbA1c would rule out diabetes
You can consider having your levels tested or simply use replacement supplements if testing is not an option at this time
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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