[35F] Experiencing multisystem symptoms including hand swelling and neurological issues

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, possible diagnoses include:

• Infection: The swelling, pain, and warmth in your hand, along with the infected abscessed tooth and history of sepsis, suggest a possible ongoing infection. Infections can cause a variety of symptoms, including fever, confusion, and a general feeling of being unwell.

  • Treatment typically involves antibiotics to fight the infection. In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary (like tooth extraction for an abscessed tooth).

• Neurological conditions: The sudden blurred vision, loss of balance, confusion, and difficulty speaking could be symptoms of a neurological condition, such as a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke. However, these are serious conditions that typically require immediate medical attention.

  • Treatment depends on the specific condition and could range from medication to surgery.

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome or other peripheral neuropathy: The numbness, burning, and pain in your hand and fingers could be due to a nerve-related condition, such as carpal tunnel syndrome or another type of peripheral neuropathy.

  • Treatment typically involves managing symptoms and addressing the underlying cause, if known. This could include physical therapy, medication, or in some cases, surgery.

Please note that these are potential explanations based on the symptoms you've described, but they are not definitive diagnoses. It's important to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

What you can do

1. Seek immediate medical attention: Given the severity and sudden onset of some of your symptoms (such as blurred vision, loss of balance, and confusion), it's crucial to seek immediate medical attention. These could be signs of a serious condition that requires prompt treatment.

2. Consult a healthcare professional about your hand symptoms: If you haven't already, consider seeing a healthcare professional about the pain, swelling, and numbness in your hand. They can provide an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

3. Follow up on your dental treatment: Ensure you follow through with your planned dental treatment for the abscessed tooth. If the infection is causing some of your symptoms, treating the source could provide relief.

What you should look out for

• Worsening of symptoms: If your symptoms worsen or if you develop new symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. This includes increased pain or swelling, higher fever, worsening confusion, or new neurological symptoms (like weakness on one side of the body).

• Signs of a severe infection or sepsis: Given your history of sepsis, it's important to be aware of the signs of a severe infection or sepsis. These can include high fever, rapid heart rate, difficulty breathing, extreme pain or discomfort, and a change in mental status (like confusion or disorientation).

Remember, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may not apply to your situation. Always consult with a healthcare provider for accurate information.