Urgent Assistance Needed: Experiencing Partial Paralysis in My Fingers as a Keyboard Musician
Age: 56 Gender: Female Height: 5'4" Weight: 135 lbs Ethnicity: Caucasian Symptom Duration: Partial paralysis for three days; pain has persisted for several years. Affected Areas: Neck, arm, hand, and fingers. Relevant Medical History: Underwent rotator cuff surgery and biceps tenodesis 19 months ago. Medications: Wellbutrin 300mg, Lexapro 5mg, Jornay PM 80mg. I have battled neck problems for an extended period, experiencing discomfort when turning my head and numbness or tingling in my right hand. Approximately 19 months prior, I had surgery on my rotator cuff. Recently, after some gardening this past Tuesday, I began to notice weakness in my ring and pinky fingers on the right hand, impacting my ability to grip everyday items like a pencil or toothbrush. At this moment, I find it impossible to close my fingers properly or maneuver my pinky side to side. As a keyboardist, I am particularly distressed as my pinky just collapses against the keys, almost as if it’s immobilized. My ring finger struggles to assist as I attempt to use my pinky. After about 45 minutes of playing, I experience significant pain in my shoulder, discomfort in my upper arm, severe tingling, and relentless fatigue. At times, I am unable to press the keys at all. To make matters worse, I am currently at a performance, which feels like a complete nightmare. The prospect of needing a referral from my primary care doctor to a neurologist, waiting for months for an appointment, and being instructed to undergo physical therapy before even getting an MRI is terrifying, especially since I rely on my ability to play for my livelihood. I am genuinely worried about what might happen if these symptoms persist.
Answers (1)
7/26/2025, 7:40:55 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm truly sorry to hear about your current difficulties, especially as a keyboard musician. It sounds like you're experiencing a significant and distressing issue with partial paralysis in your fingers. Here’s a succinct overview of your situation and some actionable next steps.
Main Points:
- Symptoms of weakness and partial paralysis in your fingers could reflect nerve compression or injury, particularly given your history of neck problems and prior shoulder surgery.
- Immediate focus should be on symptom management to help you cope during your performance.
Explanation:
The combination of neck discomfort, tingling in your right hand, and recent partial paralysis in your fingers may be indicative of conditions such as cervical radiculopathy (nerve root compression in the neck) or issues stemming from your shoulder surgery. When nerves are compressed, you may experience weakness, numbness, and pain. Your concern about the impact of these symptoms on your career is completely valid; it’s crucial to prioritize maintaining function and minimizing discomfort.
Prioritized Next Steps:
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Rest and Modify Activities:
- Minimize strenuous activities, especially those that may exacerbate your symptoms, like gardening or long performances. Allow your hand and fingers sufficient time to rest.
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Pain Relief:
- Consider over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen or naproxen to help manage pain and inflammation, provided you have no contraindications to these medications.
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Gentle Stretching and Mobility Exercises:
- Perform gentle stretches for your hand and neck, but be very careful and stop if it causes any increase in pain. Simple wrist and finger stretches can help maintain mobility without overexerting yourself.
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Ergonomic Adjustments:
- As a keyboard player, ensure that your playing position is ergonomic. Adjust the height of your keyboard and your seating to lessen strain on your neck and arms while playing.
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Seek Immediate Care if Symptoms Worsen:
- If you experience severe worsening in weakness, an inability to move your fingers, or additional symptoms such as numbness spreading up your arm or further into your hand, it would be wise to seek immediate medical attention.
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Document Your Symptoms:
- Keep a record of your symptoms, including what aggravates them and any other changes. This will be helpful for any medical consultation you pursue later.
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Plan for Professional Evaluation:
- Once you're in a better state, consider contacting your primary care physician about your concerns to discuss the urgency of possibly getting diagnostic tests like an MRI or a referral to a specialist sooner than the usual wait time.
While the thought of medical referrals and testing can be daunting, these steps can help you manage your symptoms effectively in the moment. Your health and ability to perform are important, and I’m here to support you as you navigate through this tough time. Please take care, and let me know if you need more information on your condition or next steps.
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