Concerns About Neurological Symptoms
*A 35-year-old woman, standing 1.74 meters tall and weighing 93 kilograms, is sharing her health concerns.* She has a medical history that includes a hemithyroidectomy performed three years ago and a treatment for an artery malformation in her neck through embolization twelve years ago. Hello everyone, I want to express my gratitude for taking the time to read my post. Your insights and perspectives are truly appreciated, especially given how precious your time is. Recently, I have been experiencing some alarming symptoms that have left me feeling anxious and seeking reassurance from those who might share similar experiences or possess greater expertise. My anxiety tends to amplify my fears, making this time particularly distressing. Approximately four weeks ago, I began to notice numbness radiating from the inside of my left arm, specifically affecting my pinky and ring fingers. Occasionally, I experience strange sensations akin to tingling, as if there are sparks or sudden bursts of blood flow coursing through my arm and fingers. While my hand strength isn’t compromised in terms of basic grip, I find that tasks like using keys, pouring liquids, or exerting a firm grip have become challenging. I can hold onto items without them slipping, but my ability to squeeze is weakened, indicating a general reduction in hand strength. The size of my hand increases easily, and I retain full mobility in all fingers; however, I am beginning to observe that my thumb does not extend as fully as it does on my right hand. My elbow and arm can move through their complete range without obstruction. Notably, my pinky finger feels excessively full, resembling the sensation of wearing a tight ring. During a recent assessment, my general practitioner noted a decrease in strength in my left arm compared to the right. I also experience shoulder pain that sometimes radiates down to my elbow. The intensity of the pain varies with my posture, occasionally alleviating or exacerbating. After taking Naproxen for two weeks, I am relieved to say that the discomfort has significantly diminished. What frightens me particularly are the frequent muscle twitches in my left arm, notably at the base of my thumb, as well as in my right biceps and around my eye. So far, the only diagnostic test I have undergone was an MRI, which returned the following results: "No evidence of spinal canal stenosis or cord compression within the limitations of the scan. There is some apparent expansion of the cervical cord at the C5 and C6 levels, which might represent a benign finding or could indicate swelling without specific focal lesions or syringomyelia. Given the clinical presentation, additional MRI studies of the cervical cord with IV contrast are recommended." Once again, I appreciate your time in reading my situation and any assistance you might be able to provide.
Answers (1)
2/6/2026, 5:50:37 AM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your health concerns; I can understand how distressing and confusing these neurological symptoms can feel. It's important to address both your symptoms and the anxiety they cause. Here’s a summary and guidance on what to consider next.
Key Points:
- Symptoms Overview: You’re experiencing numbness in your left arm (specifically in your pinky and ring fingers), muscle twitches, changes in hand strength, and shoulder pain radiating to your elbow.
- MRI Findings: Your MRI shows some changes in the cervical spine but is mostly normal, indicating there may be swelling without clear lesions.
- Increasing Weakness and Pain Management: Intermittent shoulder pain that improves with Naproxen suggests some inflammatory component but may also relate to nerve or muscular issues.
Explanation:
The numbness in your left arm and hand weakness could stem from compression or irritation of the nerves that innervate the arm. Given your past medical history and the MRI findings, it’s possible there are benign changes contributing to your symptoms, but further evaluation is warranted to rule out more serious conditions.
Muscle twitches (fasciculations) can sometimes occur due to irritation of the nerves or could be benign; however, they can be concerning, particularly in conjunction with other symptoms.
Prioritized Next Steps:
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Follow-Up MRI: Since your doctor recommended additional MRI studies with IV contrast, this is a crucial next step. It will provide more clarity on potential issues in the cervical spine and help distinguish between benign and concerning findings.
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Symptom Monitoring: Keep a daily log of your symptoms. Note any changes in the numbness, pain intensity, ability to perform tasks, and any new symptoms, such as increased weakness or changes in sensation. This log will be valuable for your next appointment.
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Activity Modification: Ensure you avoid positions or activities that exacerbate your symptoms, especially those that strain your neck or arms. Ergonomic adjustments in your workspace may help reduce discomfort.
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Continue Pain Management: If Naproxen effectively manages your shoulder pain, you may continue it as advised, while following up with your healthcare provider for long-term management and potential alternatives.
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Consultation with a Specialist: Depending on the results of your follow-up MRI, you might consider a consultation with a neurologist or a specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation to explore therapeutic options if necessary.
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Stress Management Techniques: Since you noted that your anxiety amplifies your symptoms, incorporating relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, gentle stretching, or mindfulness practices can be beneficial in managing both your physical and emotional response to symptoms.
Remember that it’s completely okay to seek support during this time. Your health and peace of mind are important, and taking these steps may lead to greater clarity and help manage your symptoms more effectively. Please keep us updated on how things progress or if you have further questions!
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