[38F] With right-sided neck pain, arm and leg swelling, and neurological symptoms

Patient Description

A 38-year-old female presents with pain on the right side of the neck extending down the arm, pain on the top right side of the back, numbness, tingling, and an inability to move or touch the right arm without experiencing sharp pains. The patient also reports swelling from the right elbow to the hand and from the knee to the ankle, resembling bruising. The swelling is tender and painful, described as feeling like a broken ankle or hand. The numbness is uniform and has been present for 3 weeks, while the swelling has been ongoing for more than 2 months. The affected areas appear warmer and slightly darker. The patient also experiences significant discomfort when turning the head to the right, which is accompanied by tingling, severe enough to cause nausea, and has recently started having headaches. No recent trauma has been reported, and there is no shortness of breath or chest pain.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

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

  • Cervical Radiculopathy: This condition occurs when a nerve in your neck is irritated or compressed, causing pain and numbness to radiate into your shoulder, arm, and hand. The numbness and tingling you're experiencing, along with the pain in your neck and arm, could be indicative of this condition.

    • Treatment often includes physical therapy, medications for pain relief, and in some cases, surgery.
  • Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS): This condition occurs when the blood vessels or nerves in the space between your collarbone and your first rib (thoracic outlet) become compressed. This can cause pain in your shoulders and neck and numbness in your fingers.

    • Treatment typically involves physical therapy and pain relief medications. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary.
  • Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): This is a form of chronic pain that usually affects an arm or a leg and typically develops after an injury, surgery, stroke, or heart attack. The pain is out of proportion to the severity of the initial injury.

    • Treatment is aimed at relieving painful symptoms. Doctors may use various types of medications to treat CRPS.

What you can do

  1. Seek immediate medical attention. The symptoms you're experiencing need to be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
  2. Try to rest and avoid any activities that may be causing or worsening your symptoms.
  3. Over-the-counter pain relievers may help alleviate some of your discomfort, but it's important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new medication.

What you should look out for

Reasons to seek emergency medical attention:

  • If your symptoms worsen or if you develop new symptoms
  • If you experience severe pain, weakness, or numbness
  • If you have difficulty breathing or chest pain

Please remember, while I strive to provide accurate information, I'm not a doctor. It's important to consult with a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

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10 mo ago

People Also Ask


What is cervical radiculopathy and how is it treated?

Cervical radiculopathy occurs when a nerve in the neck is compressed or irritated, leading to pain, numbness, or tingling in the shoulder, arm, and hand. Treatment often includes physical therapy, pain relief medications, and sometimes surgery.


What are the symptoms and treatment options for thoracic outlet syndrome?

Thoracic outlet syndrome is a condition where the nerves or blood vessels between the collarbone and first rib are compressed, causing pain in the shoulders and neck, and numbness in the fingers. Treatment typically involves physical therapy and pain relief medications, with surgery as an option in severe cases.


What is complex regional pain syndrome and how can it be managed?

Complex regional pain syndrome is a chronic pain condition usually affecting an arm or leg, often developing after an injury or surgery. It is characterized by pain that is disproportionate to the initial injury. Management includes pain relief medications and therapies aimed at relieving symptoms.


When should I seek emergency medical attention for neck and arm pain?

You should seek emergency medical attention if your symptoms worsen, if you develop new symptoms, experience severe pain, weakness, or numbness, or if you have difficulty breathing or chest pain.


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Brian#4030

10 mo ago

Not sure about the swelling, especially in your leg, but otherwise your symptoms do sound consistent with thoracic outlet syndrome. Have you found anything that works?

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