Questions posted in the Neurology and Neurosurgery Forum have been answered by doctors from The Cleveland Clinic Foundation.

Question Title: fasiculations

Forum: Neurology Forum
Topic: Pain

I have an annoying twitch in my pinky - the pinky twitches swiftly back and
forth and my lower palm twiches as well. I saw my general practitioner and he
put my on anti-inflammatories. i believe they are working, but i am concerned about long term damage. I have pain in the
right-center of my wrist (palm up) just below my palm. My Doctor thinks that
i may have damaged my ulnar nerve, but the pain is closer to the center of my
wrist. The fasiculations stop completely when i sumberge my forearm in very hot
water or when i let it hang limp for about a minute. They start again
when i type or move at all, for that matter. I think that i injured a tendon in my
hand and the tendon is pressing up against my ulnar nerve. Is this possible?
I am not knowlegeable...excuse my ignorance. Also, I am a little concerned because
my grandmother had a nuerological disease which resulted in twiching and
dementia (later)- anytime that i experience similar symptoms i get very anxious.
I hope to take care of this quickly. Thanks for the help.

Dear CD

thank you for your question. Although it is not possible for me to diagnose your condition on the forum, some conditions warrant discussion.
The first is ulnar nerve damage/compression at the elbow which certainly can cause numbness/tingling in the fourth and fifth fingers. This can happen spontaneously but more commoly after prolonged compression ( after surgery, alcohol intoxication, bony deformities).
Most cases resolve spontaneously but rare cases need surgery during which the nerve is moved from its normal location to relieve pressure.
This can easily be diagnosed by EMG/NCS.
Fasciculations are benign in many cases unless there are other findings on neurologic examination such as weakness, increased reflexes, mental status changes, etc.. I would suggest that you seek a neurological consultation to get a comprehensive neurologic examination. If you live near the clinic and would like to scedule appointment, please don't hesitate to call 1-800 CCF CARE. Good luck.
If you have further questions or follow up information please post a follow up
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