c6/7 disc slip (thumb and index finger not working!!) any help....!! thanks

[Littlesheep81]

In july woke up and could not straigten my Left Arm at the elbow. A and E department at hospital said it was nerve palsy etc.... pain was excruciating. After seeing numerous docs had MRI and c5/6 (7) disc is buldged? lost use to bend thumb about 2 months ago and also index finger (unable to bend at second knuckle, the one closest to the nail) my forearm is numb and coordination in my left hand is starting to get weak and have pain in my thumb like the tendons are getting shorter and its being pulled into my had, with random sharp shooting pains!! has anyone had/head of this not being able to use my thumb!? got appointment with Neurosurgeon in a week, but was wondering if anyone else had either experienced or heard of this. Any infomation would be great help. As I am so scared of causing permanent damage as its been 4months.... 29yo F (normally healthy, do have FVL blood clot disorder (clots too quick).... Thanks

[Littlesheep81]

Hi,

Sorry I havent been on for so long life just flys by!!....

Update on my condition...

(by the way just for info i've just turned 31 - and one morning I just woke up and couldn't move my left arm!! - I've had a few car accidents growing up but nothing major!! - i'm normal weight and lead a normal life exercising etc... normal desk job etc)

Feb 2012 - Operation cancelled as I gained more use of left arm and was able to flex index finger and thumb, numbness and weakness still apparent

Sept 2012 - had another MRI

Nov 2012 - Saw consultants representative to discuss results. They offered me the operation again. Said if I was to have a car accident etc then I run the risk of being perm paralysed?! I was so shocked as they have put me under watch for another six months due to see neurosurgeon in April 2013 and have MRI hopefully in late Feb 2013. I am really concerned as i am starting to get slight pain in my neck so went to see GP today and they said I have a significant prolapse but its and its just touching the spinal cord. I am so scared and worried and not too sure how serious this risk of being paralysed may be!! - and also does it outweigh the operation risk - as the op may not improve my hand situation but will it give me longterm problems as i've read that many people who have this op have more issues in the future. ANY ADVICE WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED!!

The notes from my MRI state the following:
16/09/12
Follow up MRI scan in 2011. Has posterior disc buldge at C6/7 with weakness and numbness of left thumb, symptons have slightly improved. under neurosurgical follow up.

MRI spine cervical: current scan compared with previous imaging dated 20/09/11.
The slightly degenerate bulging disc previously reported at c6/7 is still present, and overall does not appear to have changed significantly in appearance. On the axial imaging there is again disc material just touching the anterior of the spinal cord with minor displacement posteriority, but no evidence of cord compression. The root canals remain patent. Appearences at all other cervical levels are unremarkable. There is no bone pathology. Normal cervical vertebral alignment. No pathology cranio-cervical junction. No evidence of instrisic spinal cord abnormality. Comment: Degeneratve C6/7 disc, with broad based disc bule and minimal compromise of the spinal canal. Appearances are similar to previous examination.  

As i am totally confused yet again?! by all of this i have now booked to see the neurosurgeon on 10/01/13. If anyone could share any light on this it would be fantastic!!

Thanks,

Bek

[healthproblems2]

I have a similar problem to you.  Index finger and thumb not working from joint nearest the nail.  Am waiting for appointment to see orthopaedic surgeon.  Have had 3 months physio.  Have tightness in arm and shoulder blade.  What is happening with you?

[Littlesheep81]

have jsut got back from the neurosurgeon and he has suggested I have major surgery (4days in hospital) and they will put a wedge in C6/7 and remove prolapsed disc!! so scared.... and it may not even fixed my thumb/had problem.... he said we can look at that later he doesnt want it to get worse. I told him I can now bend my thumb slightly more than before. Do you think he is being rash about refering me for surgery. As he said I have a large prolapse and even whilplash or jolt could cause paralysis?? anyone have any thoughts as i am now in panic mode.... thanks x

[Littlesheep81]

Thanks for your advice, I am just a little concerned as the NHS have taken so long to get me an appointment with the Neurosurgeon that it may have caused permanent damage. As I have scoured the internet and can't seem to find anyne with such extreme thumb/index finger paralysis.
Thanks again,
Bekky

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

With bulging discs there is likely pressure on the nerves that supply the specific regions of the arm. It is best advised to consult a neurosurgeon for an operative intervention to relieve the pressure on the nerve roots, which is likely to improve your symptoms. Strokes which are a common association of increased blood coagulability, ‘usually’ involve larger areas.
Hope this is helpful.

Take care!