Are There Any Adverse Events That Could Be Caused By This?

Posted on Mon, 3 May 2021

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 3 May 2021 Answered on

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 Last reviewed on

Question : I gave an IM injection today a little lower in the thigh than I would of liked.are there Any adverse events that could be caused by this?

Answered by Dr. Shinas Hussain (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Nothing will happen.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for the query.
Upper thigh is preferred for IM injection to avoid injury to nerves(it is a remote possibility).
In your case there is no signs of nerve injury like pain or numbness, so it won’t cause any problem in the future.
Hope I have answered your query.
Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Shinas Hussain (14 minutes later)

It was a baby so I guess I wouldn’t know if it damaged nerves?

Answered by Dr. Shinas Hussain (17 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Nerve damage is very unlikely.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
In clinical practice nerve injury after IM injection is very rare, even if you poke the nerve it won’t cause any problems.
Please watch for any paucity of movements on the side where injection taken, also look for any swelling or hematoma.
Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj