Help with tingling sensation in arm

[rose0408]

I have had a strange sensation in my right arm since last Sept. 09. I have a couple herniated discs in neck. I am not sure if this is the cause or not. I get itching sensation in arm at times with itching between index finger and middle finger (knuckle area). I went for EMG and I don't have carpal tunnel. What do you think?

[Dr. A. Srivastava]

Hi, Thank you for your question. I think your symptoms may be due to nerve irritation in the cervical (neck) spine because of herniated cervical disc. This pain may be referred and perceived as occurring in the back of head & shoulders (as electric sensation)- LHERMITTES SIGN, arms or chest, rather than just the neck. Other symptoms may include vertigo, nausea (dizziness) and stiffness. It will be best that you consult a neurologist who would like to prescribe Pain killers, steroid and muscle relaxants. Other treatments could be cervical orthosis such as a soft cervical collar or stiffer neck brace to restrict neck movement till you get complete recovery. In addition, cervical traction may also be suggested by the doctor, if condition is severe. Hope this helps.

[Kalvin]

An MRI will show the disc bulge or bone spurs narrowing the foramina where the nerve roots come out, but might not show the actual nerve. But if the narrowing is moderate to severe, and you're symptoms correlate with it, its a pretty good bet that that's whats causing your pain. And an EMG will confirm it.

Take Care

[rose0408]

Hi Kalvin,
Thank you for your response. The neurologist didn't test for cervical radiculopathy because he noticed I was in pain from the tests on my arm. He told me if symptoms didn't subside I should go back for it. Can an MRI show nerve impingement or just bulging and or herniated discs? Thanks again.

Rose

[Kalvin]

If its not CTS then its probably a nerve impingement caused by one of your disc herniations.  I wonder why the Neurologist didn't check you for Cervical radiculopathy when you were having the EMG. Although, It can take up to 3 weeks after your symptoms begin to show abnormalities on the test.

You would probably benefit a lot from a referral to P.T. They can get you started on traction and some stretching exercises that will really help.

Take Care