Does anyone have these symptoms? - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

timmy k · 04-02-2003, 08:35 PM

Hi everyone. Does anyone have or know about these symptoms? I was in a MVA 11/2002. I have a small central anterior and posterior herniation at C5-6 causing mild central thecal sac compression at C5-6. I have seen 2 neurologist and both have said no surgery is needed in the short term. However I have this problem that seem to be getting worse. Along with pain in the neck and going into both arms and numbness and tingling what has developed recently is this... Both hands turn red even purple and ice cold. The right side is worse. Today the redness traveled up past the elbow. Different things I do seems to change the symptoms. Looking down makes hands turn more purple. Leaning forward makes it worse. Also I discovered when I raise my hands above my head my right hand would turn completely white, the pulse in the arm is gone and bringing hand down the pulse returns and hand would turn purple again. The doctor has suggested to elevate my hands when it gets bad. Does anybody have this or might know what this is? Thank you for all your help.

Niki47 · 04-02-2003, 08:51 PM

Hi there, I forget the name of it, but where the nerves and blood vessels go thru the shoulder towards your neck, they are getting squished. The Drs. check your pulse and if it stops, like your's does... that is the "quickie" way to diagnose it. Some kind of juncture or outlet thing. I remember reading about it on a carpal tunnel and other repetitive stress injury website.

Good luck in finding your info.

BWL · 04-02-2003, 09:17 PM

Doctor doctor! It hurts when I lift my arms...Well then, don't lift your arms.

Timmy, It sounds like your docs aren't taking your condition as seriously as they should. I like the squishing the blood vessels and nerves theory, but it seems peculiar that this would be a squishing incident that affects both sides. I would find someone that could help you get to the bottom of these symptoms.

Have you ever checked your blood pressure during these episodes or maybe had a tilt table test?

Feel well and welcome to the board,

Bruce

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ACDF with plating and donor bone C6-7 (1/29/03)

[This message has been edited by BWL (edited 04-02-2003).]

cotal · 04-02-2003, 09:56 PM

I've never heard or read of anyone with a C5-C6 compromise with the conditions you describe. Neurological symptoms are usually only felt. That is if the sympathetic or parasympathetic pathways are affected through a nerve root compression, your arm would FEEL sore or numb or cold or tingly, but it's a false signal. Your motor skills could be compromised as well.

Definitely get another opinion quickly. I agree that the skin color change indicates a loss of blood flow. Ask for some radiology wherever the Docs think the blockage may exist...

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1993 C5-C6 compression noted in Xray
1995 Forearm soreness observed, attribute to RSI
1997 Jammed finger in Sports Accident, numbness never goes away
1998 numbness and parathesia in middle finger attribute to carpal tunnel syndrome
Carpal tunnel surgery ineffective
2000 Acupuncture, Acupressure, massage, PT, Yoga
2001 Neurologist orders MRI, diagnosis of cervical radiculopathy and spondylosis
2002 Conservative therapies continued, condition persists, 5 neurosurgeons consulted
2003 Artificial disc prosthesis considered and rejected, 2 level fusion scheduled

[This message has been edited by cotal (edited 04-03-2003).]

lib77 · 04-02-2003, 10:25 PM

timmy,
have you had an MRI done on your spine? My mother is having surgery next week on C5-6, she was also in a car accident. her symptoms are pain, weakness, tingling, numbness and lack of strength in both of her arms. The dr says the numbness may be permanent if actions weren't taken ASAP.
You are your own best advocate. do some research, push for any tests you might think necessary. I think your condition sounds fairly serious, and it would be a shame for you to end up with a permanent disability because of an incompetent doctor. Make sure you tell the doctor of all your symptoms, and if he doesn't know what it is ask him to refer you to another doctor.
Hope you feel better soon

lib