QuestionQUESTION: I am recovering from a bacterial infection which manifested as a throat infection that was not strep. I had a fever of over 102 for several days and had to re-visit local doctor for different meds. 5 days later and my left arm is having a lot of pain in what feels like my forearm or elbow was overextended(it wasnt)I also have numbness in my thumb on the same arm. Its been about 24 hrs and there is no real change. I have also lost some of the dexterity in my hand and wrist. for example I am unable to drink a glass of water using my left without my wrist collapsing inward while gripping with my thumb and index finger. I am becoming concerned, how serious is this?
ANSWER: I can't tell how serious it is until we figure out what it is.... it sounds like the nerves to your hand are being irritated.... that can happen at the wrist, elbow, shoulder or neck level.
With the forearm symptoms, it sounds like it is a little higher up, possibly shoulder or neck, but either way, you need someone to do a thorough exam and possibly some nerve tests to figure out exactly where the nerve injury is. I hope this helps.....
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QUESTION: Thank you, as my pain and numbness increased, I saw a neurologist today and she has diagnosed me with brachial plexitis caused by a virus. I have been told it will last weeks. I have pain meds, but this is highly unpleasant, and she said there are no meds to kill the virus.
I just want to feel my hand again.
Thanks again for your answer. It was helpful.
ANSWER: Thank you for the feedback.... that is an incredibly unusual diagnosis.... if that is the case, then things should resolve over a couple of weeks......
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QUESTION: The only other questions I had for the neurologist that I didn't get satisfying answers on were if it was simply a side effect from the AVELOX or if it is connected to my previous illness in any way? She said there was no way to tell which I found disturbing. I need a cause for this and it seems as though there isn't one. She also noted that my tonsils seemed enlarged. She also stated to expect symptoms for 4-6 weeks, my concern is that this is something more serious, and I am hesitant to just wait it out. Thanks Again.
AnswerI really doubt whether this is related to Avelox.... I have never seen it and have not seen it reported. Some people have big tonsils to start with, so it is possible they are just large, or have enlarged from the infection, but should go down in less than 2 weeks. In general, viral neuritis' are not treated... there isn't an antibiotic.... sometimes we may use steroids but that is controversial. (Meds like Prednisone) SO there isn't a big choice other than waiting at this point.......
