What Causes Inability To Use The Left Arm And Leg Weakness?

Posted on Thu, 31 Aug 2017

Question: The drs think. Have a trapped nerve. Been like it over a week. I've lost the ability to use my left arm properly and now my leg is getting weaker. My neurologist appointment isn't until 6 Nov. Will I have permenant nerve damage ?

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (26 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Provide more details and prescription or report

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have gone through your question and understand your concern.
You need to provide more details regarding your presentation.
Total duration of illness, progressive or non progressive?
Any headache, vomiting, seizures, loss of consciousness, facial deviation, visual loss?
The weakness is on same side?
Any speech changes, walking difficulties?
Any urinary abnormalities?
Provide prescription or records or previous physician consultation.
Regards
Dr N Kumar
Neurologist

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

Follow up: Dr. Neeraj Kumar (35 minutes later)

It started with a headache on the saturday before last. At the back of myhead a inch or so away from my leftvear in the scalp area. This pain was a burning pain which travelled down my neck and arm. Ibuprofen and paracetamol controlled the pain after 1hr. The next day my go gave me co codymol and ibuprofen gel which did not agree with me. Ever sincec ive been back an forth from the gp or a+e with pain attacks which have now died down. But the numbness and weekness in my left arm got worst and is everywhere except my bottom and face. Around my rig cage feels as though i am weang a belt but not a tight on. I have physio next week and have been referred for an mri and as i said before my neurologist app is on 6th nov. There are no pins and needles, just numb weekness. Yesterday my left hand look a bit purple. As for my legs; i can walk but feels like one leg is shorter then the othe making me slightly of balance. I dont want to be like this forever doctor. I have a 6 yr old son and training to be a nurse. Im very frightened for our future.

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (13 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Take treatment as advised

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Possibility of nerve compression or brachial plexitis.
Possibility of brain involvement is less likely.
If you can upload your treating doctor's prescription, that will help in getting some details of physical examination findings.
At this moment, Pain killers with muscle relaxant like aceclofenac/diclofenac with tizanidine/thiocholchicoside can be taken.
Pregabalin or gabapentin or duloxetine can be added too.
Investigations like nerve conduction study and MRI cervical spine may be required.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Regards
Dr N Kumar
Neurologist

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

Follow up: Dr. Neeraj Kumar (42 minutes later)

Can i just ask if my nerves will heal because everywhere online says they will not.

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Get investigated and evaluated by a neurologist

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
The healing or reinnervation in nerves depends upon extent of damage and disease pathology.
Timely diagnosis is vital.
Regards
Dr N Kumar

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad