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Neurology (Expert Forum)
Thoracic nerve problem
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Thoracic nerve problem
by Dan__0, Aug 24, 1998 12:00AM
i am looking for information and a course of action. The following is a history: On July 9 of this year I came down with a stiff neck, I did not injure myself, and it developed into severe pain and the loss of feeling in my right arm and thumb. A week later I ended up with winged scapula on my right side. I've been to several doctors including neurologists. i have had an MRI that showed only a slight bluge on the left side that looke like an old injury, the Dr. said it had nothing to do with my problem and that all films looked fine. I have been tested for lime disease nad had blood work and everything was fine. I have been in PT for the last six weeks. The pain has lessened in my right lower neck, but I still have numbness in my thumb and shooting pain in my right arm. Drs have told me at this point I am to live like this and hope it gets better. I am very concernec with losing this muscle and living in this pain for th e rest of my life. Is there any research or clinic that is specializing in this problem? At this point I will go anywhere to see if there is anything I can do to regain my right side. I feel too much time has passed and I need to determine what the next course of action shouold be.
Thank you for your time.
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It really is not possible to make a definite diagnosis for you but one
strong possibility which comes to mind is a rare disorder called
Parsonage-Turner syndrome or neuralgic amyotrophy, this is a spontaneous
inflammation of a nerve which presents initially as pain and then produces
weakness in the muscles supplied by that nerve causing
( if the nerve involved is the long thoracic nerve - winging of the scapula ).
It often follows an apparently trivial cold, viral infection, vaccination
or even minor surgery, the pain remits after a few weeks and
recovery of strength follows more slowly.
I cannot say that this is your problem but it is a possibility, tests -
apart from EMGs are usually normal.
The Cleveland clinic neuromuscular dept has a lot of experience with this
disorder, an appointment can be made at (216 )444 5559, ask to see Dr Shields or Dr Levin.
