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Neurology (Expert Forum)
Nobody Knows
This forum is for questions and support regarding neurology issues such as: Alzheimer's Disease, ALS, Autism, Brain Cancer, Cerebral Palsy, Chronic Pain, Epilepsy, Fibromyalgia, Headaches, MS, Neuralgia, Neuropathy, Parkinson's Disease, RSD, Sleep Disorders, Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury
Nobody Knows
by lynda, Jan 18, 2001 12:00AM
My husband has been having problems with his hands/arms for about 7 years now, when he originally went to the doctor (air force kind) he was told that he needed ulner nerve transposition surgery in both arms, this was done and for about 5 months he was okay, then the symptoms returned and have gotten worse they are:
Weakness/Loss of Strength
Swelling
Numbness (dead feeling)
mottling of skin on arms
uncontrollable shaking
constant dull pain
shooting pains
The symptoms seem to get worse when he is under stress. We have had MRI, CT , Milogram and X-ray's done, they are all inconclusive. The EMG shows that there is a problem in the neck are (C5-6, C6-7) but nothing shows up any where else. All the doctors (Neurologist, Neurosurgeon, Orthopedic, GP) agree that there is something wrong, but no one knows what it is.
As he is on the AF Bomb squad he has been pulled from his duties due to the shaking and loss of strength which makes him a "danger".
All we want is something to go on other than yes there is a problem. Any help or suggestions you might give would be GREATLY appreciated.
Thanks
Weakness/Loss of Strength
Swelling
Numbness (dead feeling)
mottling of skin on arms
uncontrollable shaking
constant dull pain
shooting pains
The symptoms seem to get worse when he is under stress. We have had MRI, CT , Milogram and X-ray's done, they are all inconclusive. The EMG shows that there is a problem in the neck are (C5-6, C6-7) but nothing shows up any where else. All the doctors (Neurologist, Neurosurgeon, Orthopedic, GP) agree that there is something wrong, but no one knows what it is.
As he is on the AF Bomb squad he has been pulled from his duties due to the shaking and loss of strength which makes him a "danger".
All we want is something to go on other than yes there is a problem. Any help or suggestions you might give would be GREATLY appreciated.
Thanks
Doctor's Answer
by CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS, Jan 18, 2001 12:00AM
Dear Lynda:
Sorry that your husband is going through these symptoms. I am going to assume that the problem is somewhere after the nerve leaves the spinal column. This is because the MRI of the spine is normal (your statement about the normal MRI). This would locate the problem to be in the C5-C7 nerve distribution. Where did the EMG show the lesion within the arm to be? distal from the elbow or proximal to the elbow (between the elbow and shoulder)? Has anyone mentioned a brachial plexus problem? I am also not sure what the original surgery might have been and the extent of the surgery. Some of the problems might be related to the surgery seven years ago. What might be useful is a second opinion from a neurologist who specializes in peripheral nerve disease. That might yield the best information as he/she can do the physical neurological exam and see the previous studies first hand. I am sorry that I am not much help.
Sincerely,
CCF Neuro MD
Sorry that your husband is going through these symptoms. I am going to assume that the problem is somewhere after the nerve leaves the spinal column. This is because the MRI of the spine is normal (your statement about the normal MRI). This would locate the problem to be in the C5-C7 nerve distribution. Where did the EMG show the lesion within the arm to be? distal from the elbow or proximal to the elbow (between the elbow and shoulder)? Has anyone mentioned a brachial plexus problem? I am also not sure what the original surgery might have been and the extent of the surgery. Some of the problems might be related to the surgery seven years ago. What might be useful is a second opinion from a neurologist who specializes in peripheral nerve disease. That might yield the best information as he/she can do the physical neurological exam and see the previous studies first hand. I am sorry that I am not much help.
Sincerely,
CCF Neuro MD
If you read this, I'm hoping your husband is doing much better. Do you have any better idea what his problem is? He's symtoms sound identical to mine, I was in a car accident and have ulner nerve surgery scheduled next week. But becuase I also have the uncontrollable shaking, which is worsened with stress,(on top of all the other symptoms he has) I was wondering if the ulner nerve is really the true root of my problem, and that the surgery may not be the answer. I'm only 23 and I'm quite scared of the surgery. They also say I have a torn labrum in my shoulder and a "milatary neck". The accident was 1 and 1/2 years ago, and the insurance is making me have the surgery or settle, so I feel pressured to do so.
Any ideas would be appreciated.