RSD

[burgio23]

Hey, I went to the Neurologist today and he thinks I have Reflex sympathetic dystrophy. I do not get why I would have gotten this from such a simple surgery.  Could you tell me about RSD and how they think I could have got it.  Thanks so much

Sam

[burgio23]

The surgery was done on the same side that i have no feeling on.  My doctor is worthless, and the neurologist i went and saw wasn't the best. He was scared to put needles in me cause he thought it would worsen my pain, that is the only way to tell if i have Sensory nerve damage.  

[Godofredo MD]

Hi.

Was the surgery done on the same arm that is having these symptoms?

The MRI was supposed to show any nerve compression or impingement at the cervical spine level which may be causing your symptoms. However, the history of a brachial plexus block is significant in this case as some complications have been known to occur, even if the incidence is low, after such procedure.

Anesthesia-related nerve injury (ARNI) has been reported to occur post-brachial plexus block and could present with residual paresthesias and, rarely, pain.

You should talk about this possibility with your neurologist.

Good luck.

[burgio23]

I had hand surgery, and they put in a brachial plexus block.  when i extend my arm up or out i get pain/and tingling that runs down and into my hand.  I have went to a neurologist and he said i have no nerve damage, but didn't do the sensory nerve test, because he said he didn't want to make things worse.  I will try to get in for an MRI what would that show?

[Godofredo MD]

Hi.

You mentioned surgery in your first post. What surgery was done?

Your symptoms seem to suggest a possible nerve impingement or compression, probably at or near the cervical spine level. Causes could include trauma, degenerative disc disease, disc herniation, etc.

Have you consulted a neurologist for this pain? If not, it would be advisable to do so a the earliest possible time to have him/her evaluate your condition. If nerve root involvement is considered, an MRI might be helpful.

Hope this helps.

[burgio23]

The only symptom i have out of them is is pain.  I went to my dr. again yesterday and he said that the nerve test came back good so there is no nerve damage.  He doesn't think it is RSD any more.   He is still confused on what it could be.  He said my motor part of my nerve is working good must the senses of the nerve aren't.  It has gotten worse sense the last time I talk to you.  I have been getting shooting pains in my hand.  I still get bad tingling when i extend my arm and starts at my armpit region. I have also been getting pain in my anterior lateral part just below my elbow.  I cant put any pressure on it.  I am starting physical therapy probably monday.  Should there be any reason for me to get a MRI.  I hope you have some more idea of what this could be.

[Godofredo MD]

Hi.

What exactly have you experienced after surgery? What kind of surgery was done?

Complex regional pain syndrome (reflex sympathetic dystrophy) is a chronic condition that usually affects the extremities and, rarely, other body areas. Symptoms are of intense pain characterized as aching or burning and is usually associated with  skin discoloration, swelling, temperature alterations, abnormal sweating, and skin hypersensitivity.

The exact cause hasn't been defined as of the present time.

This condition is predominantly seen in the 40-60 age group and is more common in women.

Both major and minor traumas have been found to cause RCPS, including surgery, heart attacks, fractures, gunshot wounds, infections, or even something as simple as an ankle sprain.

Treatment wound include drugs such as NSAIDs and anti-inflammatory medications and capsaicin, physical therapy, sympathetic nerve-blockade, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), biofeedback, and spinal cord stimulation.

You should talk to your doctor about these treatment options.

Good luck.