Hi,I am Dr. Shanthi.E (General & Family Physician). I will be looking into your question and guiding you through the process. Please write your question below.
What Do Sudden Onset Of Neck Pain And Partial Paralysis In My Arm Indicate?
I am a 51 YO female and I have had 2 herniated discs in my neck 4 years ago. At the time I had sudden onset of neck pain and partial paralysis in my arm. It was diagnosed with an MRI, I took a short course of steroids and PT and I was all better in a few months. I had less severe symptoms return a year ago after attempting to water ski. The boat jerked me as I was trying to get up on skis ( I used to be good!) and I knew it hurt my neck again. I didn t go back to the doctor but it gradually got better over a year. Two months ago I slipped on our stairs and as I fell, I caught myself with my arm on the banister. It really strained my arm and hurt pretty bad. Since then I have had weakness and pain in my arm that radiates up my shoulder to my neck. This time it is bothering me when I sleep as many positions seem to bother it and make it worse. It definitely hurts more in certain neck positions laying back or on a pillow. My symptoms are also worse when I wake up. My question is: I know this is caused from that fall and I think it is likely neck related again. However is it possible that it is something entirely different like a rotater cuff problem, and who would be the best person to start with? In short, we have a high deductible insurance plan so I basically pay for all healthcare short of major illness. I want to get to the right person for the least cost. Do I go back to my spine doctor and could they rule out other causes too? Or can you tell me likely cause based on my symptoms?
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What Do Sudden Onset Of Neck Pain And Partial Paralysis In My Arm Indicate?
Hello, It could be due to nerve compression. Consult a neurologist and get evaluated. Detailed evaluation is required including an MRI scan. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Shinas Hussain, General & Family Physician