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Neurology (Expert Forum)
Shoulder pain and arm numbness with burning sensation in fingertips
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Shoulder pain and arm numbness with burning sensation in fingertips
by MissGabby, Feb 15, 2005 12:00AM
I recently had sarcoma of the right shoulder and am currenly in remission. During the 2nd surgery a lymph node and a piece of bone were removed. There was also some nerve damage, which i'm guessing was because it was severed. I've been through a series of MRI's with minor findings such as an arachnoid cyst and minimal fluid above the right sternoclavicular muscle. I have lost feeling in the upper part of the shoulder and am now experiencing arm pain and a burning sensation in my fingertips. It is becoming more and more difficult to pick up my 9 month old son. Would an MRI indicate nerve damage or is this all in my head? I had to undergo 6 weeks of radiation with an increase in dosage in the last week. I'm afraid this is what is causing this problem.
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-CS, Feb 16, 2005 12:00AM
Radiation to the area of the axilla can cause damage to the nerves which may be delayed - I'n not sure how long there is between the radiation and the appearance of your symptoms. If a nerve was damaged at surgery the symptoms from that should have been present straight away.
An MRI may not be sensitive enough to pick the damage up, however an EMG exam will, and you should ask your neurologist about scheduling one. An EMG should be performed at least 3 weeks after the onset of the symptoms, for it to be of most use.
An MRI may not be sensitive enough to pick the damage up, however an EMG exam will, and you should ask your neurologist about scheduling one. An EMG should be performed at least 3 weeks after the onset of the symptoms, for it to be of most use.
Hope it was helpful.
Auntteta