View Full Version : Finger numbness/weakness
november
10-23-2007, 05:52 AM
I'm c6c7 incomp, almost 5 years post. Have pretty normal function/sensation in left hand, right has issues.
Starting two days ago I have numbness in the last two fingers in my left/good hand. A little weak. Noticed the other fingers are a tiny weaker and at a certain wrist angle or movement my fingers don't seem to want to fully extend now, like they lose strength.
I noticed many times before my hands falling asleep while on computer because I lean on elbow or while on phone. Problem is, this time my fingers haven't woke up. I also noticed before on same arm/hand that sometimes my elbow would grind when leaning on it and give it that funnybone sleepy feeling for an instance. Now when I lean on elbow/arm a certain way the sleepiness intensifies in affected hand.
I'm wondering what is going on? Is this just a pinched nerve, whatever nerve the funnybone actually is and when/should it go away? It's making typing barely doable along with personal care and throwing off my transfers.
Should I go to the doctor or wait it out. It scares me to think of losing what I gained back after sci.
Thanx in advance.
Wise Young
10-23-2007, 06:00 AM
I'm c6c7 incomp, almost 5 years post. Have pretty normal function/sensation in left hand, right has issues.
Starting two days ago I have numbness in the last two fingers in my left/good hand. A little weak. Noticed the other fingers are a tiny weaker and at a certain wrist angle or movement my fingers don't seem to want to fully extend now, like they lose strength.
I noticed many times before my hands falling asleep while on computer because I lean on elbow or while on phone. Problem is, this time my fingers haven't woke up. I also noticed before on same arm/hand that sometimes my elbow would grind when leaning on it and give it that funnybone sleepy feeling for an instance. Now when I lean on elbow/arm a certain way the sleepiness intensifies in affected hand.
I'm wondering what is going on? Is this just a pinched nerve, whatever nerve the funnybone actually is and when/should it go away? It's making typing barely doable along with personal care and throwing off my transfers.
Should I go to the doctor or wait it out. It scares me to think of losing what I gained back after sci.
Thanx in advance.
November,
Your description suggests that it is a peripheral nerve issue because it is localized to one side and also involves probably the ulnar nerve (it should affect your pinky and the lateral half of your ring finger). The most common cause of an ulnar palsy is pressure on the ulnar nerve. This most common site is the cubital tunnel at the elbow (sometimes called the "funny bone") or Guyon tunnel (at the wrist). See http://www.doctorslounge.com/neurology/diseases/ulnar_palsy.htm
You should check with your doctor. The treatment is to splint the arm and anti-inflammatory drug such as ibuprofen.
Wise.
Nov,
I can't add anything beyond Wise - other than to say when I was younger I experienced similar numbness (no loss in function though since I've never been able to move my fingers). I'm certain it came from excessive leaning upon my elbow.
Do you have sensation in your elbows? I can't feel my elbows and have thus leant on them so much I've scrapped the skin off and had them bleeding without knowing.
I now have a chair with better armrests and lateral supports. This, together with my spinal fusion, has prevented the need the lean on my elbows and I've experienced no numbness in the past decade.
Chris.
SCI-Nurse
10-23-2007, 01:06 PM
Agree with Wise. Also, some people find wearing elbow pads help, even to remind them to avoid the leaning.
AAD
SKYHAWK
10-23-2007, 01:30 PM
Agree with Wise. Also, some people find wearing elbow pads help, even to remind them to avoid the leaning.
AAD
Yep. I use this http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1195791&cp=2367453.710547.1798546&view=all&parentPage=family&searchId=19385486313
november
10-23-2007, 06:06 PM
November,
Your description suggests that it is a peripheral nerve issue because it is localized to one side and also involves probably the ulnar nerve (it should affect your pinky and the lateral half of your ring finger). The most common cause of an ulnar palsy is pressure on the ulnar nerve. This most common site is the cubital tunnel at the elbow (sometimes called the "funny bone") or Guyon tunnel (at the wrist). See http://www.doctorslounge.com/neurology/diseases/ulnar_palsy.htm
You should check with your doctor. The treatment is to splint the arm and anti-inflammatory drug such as ibuprofen.
Wise.
Thank you, I was scared but feel better.
A splint? How can I push my wc etc with a splint on?
How long does it usually take to heal?
Will it not go away on it's own if I just avoid leaning and take ibuprofen?
Have a doctor appt for Friday.
Took ibuprofren today though not sure I should while I'm on coumadin.
november
10-23-2007, 06:28 PM
Nov,
I can't add anything beyond Wise - other than to say when I was younger I experienced similar numbness (no loss in function though since I've never been able to move my fingers). I'm certain it came from excessive leaning upon my elbow.
Do you have sensation in your elbows? I can't feel my elbows and have thus leant on them so much I've scrapped the skin off and had them bleeding without knowing.
I now have a chair with better armrests and lateral supports. This, together with my spinal fusion, has prevented the need the lean on my elbows and I've experienced no numbness in the past decade.
Chris.
Yeah I have sensation in elbows, but right after sci I didn't and had zero balance so developed a pressure sore on one elbow from leaning on it for hours while on computer.
I should have known better, the last week my hands were falling asleep quite often while at the computer and I knew it was because of my leaning. I could feel the nerve/elbow grinding but didn't bother to adjust it much. That's what I get I guess!
On a sidenote, I hate it takes something simple like this to make me realize how lucky I am with my function. I feel silly freaking out over it, but it was truly scary to not be able to do things as well as normally. I've been independent so long that I didn't even want to think of the first few years post and how they were. I guess what I'm trying to say is I'm glad it's nothing serious, I'm grateful for what I have, and I hope my complaining about a little numbness/weakness doesn't offend you or make you think I'm ungrateful or don't realize how lucky I truly am.
Clipper
10-23-2007, 06:31 PM
November,
I've had similar problems and now try to avoid leaning as much as possible. I've found that using a Bluetooth earpiece accessory with my cell phone eliminates the need to lean. I use it all the time now. I don't use my home phone much anymore, but when I did, I used a hands-free headset. Hope that helps.
november
10-23-2007, 06:33 PM
November,
I've had similar problems and now try to avoid leaning as much as possible. I've found that using a Bluetooth earpiece accessory with my cell phone eliminates the need to lean. I use it all the time now. I don't use my home phone much anymore, but when I did, I used a hands-free headset. Hope that helps.
I will start using my bluetooth piece for long calls too. Good reminder. :)
intrin
11-20-2007, 02:36 PM
wow, this sounds like me,
i have had "numbness" throughout my left ring finger and pinky, wrist, forearm.
and in my car accident, i believe i broke the tip of my elbow off, there is a small "crater" and that too is very painful
i work on the computer, and i sleep on my back, so my arms are always bent, i thought about getting a good electric wheelchair, that would at least take out the repeditive elbow bending
info: t3t4 para, 10/04/98, lazy, always using arms to support myself, have tried nurontin, and a few other pills, elbow pads, but they dont work , so i go back to dealing with the pain, i recently got my green card, and it helps some, but not enough.
very intrested in surgery, but worried about down time
i am in helena mt, and looking for referrals of where to go
:mega:
In recent years, my right arm and leg have felt weak and numb some evenings, on top of the pains that are always there. According to MRI reports, there isn't a problem causing this - just a hole two or so vertebrae long where my cord used to be, and it's stable.
SCI-Nurse
11-20-2007, 09:35 PM
New or worsened numbness and weakness needs to be investigated. Possible causes include peripheral nerve entrapment syndromes (carpal tunnel, ulnar or radial nerve entrapment from elbow pressure, etc.) and a spinal cord syrinx. You need an exam and tests by a physiatrist or neurologist to determine what is going on, and if something can be done to help.
(KLD)
On a sidenote, I hate it takes something simple like this to make me realize how lucky I am with my function. I feel silly freaking out over it, but it was truly scary to not be able to do things as well as normally. I've been independent so long that I didn't even want to think of the first few years post and how they were. I guess what I'm trying to say is I'm glad it's nothing serious, I'm grateful for what I have, and I hope my complaining about a little numbness/weakness doesn't offend you or make you think I'm ungrateful or don't realize how lucky I truly am.
I'm glad to see you're mature enough to acknowledge when you've been insensitive. :D
Seriously, I'm never offended by comments like yours. Heck, I'm not even offended when paras whine! The reality is all SCIs suck big-time. We have all lost so much that we have every right to mourn our own unique losses. The thought of losing any further function terrifies me.
While functioning at a C5 complete level bites, I'm thankful every day for the function I do have.
Chris.