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Neurology (Expert Forum)
Left arm Pins and Needles after 2nd CABG
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Left arm Pins and Needles after 2nd CABG
by chrisr, Apr 12, 2006 12:00AM
I have had Pins and Needles pain in left arm from upper arm down to fingers mainly thumb and 1st and 2nd. A CT scan of neck did show degeneration of cervical vert. with spur growth. Left movement of neck initially induced some pain but now 6 months after CABG its mostly the pins and needle sensations. My chest scar indicates that the incision for the 2nd surgery was much higher than first. Could my pains be due to injury to the Brachial plexus and/or TOS? What is even more disturbing is that the sensations are now almost always induced by swallowing during eating. Been on Tylenol 3 and later Neurontin but with little effect. Could you recommend a specialist in this area at CCF since I am due to be there next month for a 6 month post CABG checkup. Thanks for any assistance.
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-PW, Apr 18, 2006 12:00AM
I think you should see one of the CCF neurologists while you are at your checkup, call the neurology appointment line to set one up - 216 4445559, ask for a neuromuscular section neurologist
pain and pins/needles in the arm in that distribution can be from irriation of the C6 nerve root. Usually this is from compression of the nerve root by a bony spur, as you may actually have. Brachial plexus injury is a possibility but rare, the difference may be apparent by examination and by the needle EMG study. TOS is a rare diagnosis and is probably unlikely.
Exacerbation by swallowing is unusual, but may possible be due to something pressing on the esophogus while swallowing (bony spurs/degenerative neck disease can do this, or possible by regenerating nerves sending signals the wrong way.
See if your CCF doctor can set up an EMG study of the left arm while you are here also.
Good luck
pain and pins/needles in the arm in that distribution can be from irriation of the C6 nerve root. Usually this is from compression of the nerve root by a bony spur, as you may actually have. Brachial plexus injury is a possibility but rare, the difference may be apparent by examination and by the needle EMG study. TOS is a rare diagnosis and is probably unlikely.
Exacerbation by swallowing is unusual, but may possible be due to something pressing on the esophogus while swallowing (bony spurs/degenerative neck disease can do this, or possible by regenerating nerves sending signals the wrong way.
See if your CCF doctor can set up an EMG study of the left arm while you are here also.
Good luck
