decreased use of left arm

[mindyrk]

I was in a car accident on 3/18/04.  I had positive loc for several min.  When I did wake up I was unable to use my left arm.  The tests I have had are: MRI of brain, c-spine, l-spine; EMG of left arm and leg (I am also having some LLE weakness).  The only thing they have found is a bulging disc at L-5.  My arm has improved a little.  I can lift it to about shoulder level, grip strength has improved to 25 lbs (my right arm is 65lbs).  My doctor said I could have a torn rotator cuff.  Would you agree with this?  I am unable to shrug my shoulder.  When I try my back muscles contract, but my trap muscles or other shoulder muscles don't seem to do anything.  I do have a lot of pain in my neck, trap muscle, and deltoid area of my arm, but not a lot in my actual shoulder area.  If it was a nerve problem, I'm assuming it would have shown on the emg.  I have been in PT for 2 months with little improvement.  I am a nurse and unable to work until this improves.  The only thing the doctor(PM&R)is doing right now is trigger point injections in my neck and trap muscles.  I have had 8 in the last 2 weeks.  I don't know what step to take next.   Everything seems to be happening so slowly.  Do you thing the injections will help?  Is there anything else you can recommend?  Would a torn rotator cuff affect the ability to shrug?  Any advice you can give would be appreciated!  Thank you so much!

[CCF-Neuro-M.D.-CS]

If the EMG was done 21 days after the injury it should have shown an abnormality, assuming the correct nerves were tested. The MRI's have excluded structural problems in the nervous system. Perhaps a MRI of the shoulder could be completed to demonstrate an abnormality. If you have not had a consult with a neurologist, it would be reasonable. Good luck.

[whimsical]

contact a qualified and well-trained chiropractor.  get x-rays and find out where in your spine you are in need of manipulation.  you will receive great relief and feel at least 50% better.  your cranium and sacrum are your life source.  after good chiropractic care which will take a course of regular manipulation for weeks you  will be much relieved.  auto accidents cause alot of symptoms due to the blow the spine has taken.

[renee1952]

Torn rotator cuffs can be very painful. Im not understanding why they havent done an MRI to document if it is a torn rotator? I would ask for one, if thats the problem an OS can operate and fix you...Sara