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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Pain In Arm After Electrocution?

I was shocked over the weekend (Sunday). It was quite a strong voltage (sparks were visible to others). I felt a little off after, but that went away after a day or so. However, 5 days later, I am still experiencing pain in my right arm. Should I see a doctor? Why is this occurring?
posted on Sun, 21 Sep 2014
Twitter Wed, 15 Oct 2014 Answered on
Twitter Fri, 17 Oct 2014 Last reviewed on
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Neurologist,  's  Response
Sorry this happened to you but what likely happened is that you're suffering from what is known as an electrocution form of neuropathy which can be very painful. The high voltage that struck you or contacted you has altered your peripheral nerve's sensory function (like overloading a circuit that trips the breaker-- sometimes the circuit breaker protects the wires downstream....but sometimes the charge is big enough so that even if the breaker trips everything downstream still gets hit). So, I would recommend getting to a neurologist if the pain has not disappeared by now so they can get on top of whatever treatment they feel is indicated early rather than late otherwise the problem could be chronic and convert into something referred as chronic complex regional pain syndrome.

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http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/Funnel?page=askDoctorDirectly&docId=68474

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What Causes Pain In Arm After Electrocution?

Sorry this happened to you but what likely happened is that you re suffering from what is known as an electrocution form of neuropathy which can be very painful. The high voltage that struck you or contacted you has altered your peripheral nerve s sensory function (like overloading a circuit that trips the breaker-- sometimes the circuit breaker protects the wires downstream....but sometimes the charge is big enough so that even if the breaker trips everything downstream still gets hit). So, I would recommend getting to a neurologist if the pain has not disappeared by now so they can get on top of whatever treatment they feel is indicated early rather than late otherwise the problem could be chronic and convert into something referred as chronic complex regional pain syndrome. If you would like to ask me any other questions DIRECTLY about this subject please feel free to use the following link and pose your question: http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/Funnel?page=askDoctorDirectly&docId=68474 If this informatioin is useful to you please consider a STAR RATING which would be greatly appreciated.