[31F] With sudden numbness in hands post drug injection

Patient Description

A 31-year-old female has been experiencing sudden numbness and tingling in her hands for the past few days, which is relieved by elevation. She also reports nausea, lightheadedness, and sensitivity to light and sound. The numbness started suddenly following a drug injection incident in her arms about four days ago, which resulted in redness, swelling, and fever at the injection site. Additionally, she has experienced chills, sweating, difficulty breathing, and chest pain or palpitations. The patient has used methamphetamine recently. She has not sought medical attention for these issues yet. She has no known pre-existing conditions or chronic illnesses and is not currently taking any medications. She is allergic to codeine and morphine.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you’ve provided, there are several serious conditions that could be causing your symptoms:

  1. Infection or Abscess: The redness, swelling, and warmth around the injection site, along with fever, chills, and sweating, suggest a possible infection or abscess. This can be very serious and requires immediate medical attention to prevent the infection from spreading.

  2. Sepsis: Given the systemic symptoms like fever, chills, sweating, lightheadedness, and difficulty breathing, there is a risk of sepsis, which is a life-threatening response to infection. Sepsis can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death if not treated promptly.

  3. Drug-Related Complications: The use of methamphetamine and the recent injection could have caused complications such as vascular damage, which might explain the numbness and tingling in your hands. Methamphetamine use can also lead to cardiovascular issues, which might be contributing to your chest pain and palpitations.

  4. Neurological Issues: The sudden onset of numbness and tingling, along with lightheadedness and sensitivity to light and sound, could indicate a neurological issue, possibly related to the drug use or an infection affecting the nervous system.

What you can do

  1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Given the severity of your symptoms, it is crucial that you seek medical attention immediately. Go to the nearest emergency room or urgent care center. If you are unable to get there yourself, call 911 or have someone take you.

  2. Monitor Symptoms: While waiting for medical help, keep an eye on your symptoms. If you notice any worsening of your condition, such as increased difficulty breathing, confusion, or loss of consciousness, call 911 immediately.

  3. Avoid Further Drug Use: Refrain from using any more methamphetamine or other substances, as they could exacerbate your condition.

  4. Inform Medical Staff: When you get to the hospital, inform the medical staff about your recent drug use, the injection incident, and your allergies to codeine and morphine. This information will help them provide the best care for you.

Remember, I am not a doctor, and it is essential to get a formal diagnosis and treatment from a healthcare professional. Your symptoms are serious and require prompt medical attention. Please take action immediately to ensure your safety and well-being.

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4 mo ago

People Also Ask


What are the signs of an infection at an injection site?

Signs of an infection at an injection site include redness, swelling, warmth, pain, and sometimes pus. Fever and chills can also indicate that the infection is spreading.


What is sepsis and why is it dangerous?

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body's response to an infection causes widespread inflammation, leading to tissue damage, organ failure, and potentially death. It requires immediate medical treatment.


How can methamphetamine use affect the cardiovascular system?

Methamphetamine use can lead to increased heart rate, high blood pressure, and damage to blood vessels, which can result in chest pain, palpitations, and increased risk of heart attack or stroke.


What neurological symptoms can be caused by drug use or infection?

Neurological symptoms caused by drug use or infection can include numbness, tingling, lightheadedness, sensitivity to light and sound, confusion, and in severe cases, seizures or loss of consciousness.


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