Nerve Damage Risks After Injections: What You Need to Know

Q: Nerve Damage Risks After Injections: What You Need to Know

Hello： Your symptoms may suggest "piriformis syndrome." The piriformis muscle is located deep in the buttocks and spans between the spine and the hip joint. <br>When the piriformis muscle becomes inflamed, it can compress the sciatic nerve, leading to symptoms of numbness and pai

Is there a possibility of nerve injury after receiving an injection?

Hello Dr.
Jiang,
Last winter, I had a cold without a fever and visited a clinic.
I was experiencing severe headaches that made me feel nauseous, so I asked the doctor for an injection.
The doctor was an older male who mentioned that I should massage the injection site because it was an oil-based medication.
I did massage it as instructed, but after the injection, he applied a muscle pain patch, which is commonly available over the counter.
I assumed he did this to prevent any lumps at the injection site, so I didn't think much of it at the time, especially since it was my first experience with something so unusual.
However, after some time, I noticed that the area on the side of my buttocks extending down to my thigh became completely numb.
The numbness was intense; even a light touch would elicit a tingling sensation.
Over time, the area of numbness has decreased, but since the beginning of this year, the side of my buttocks down to a bit of my thigh still feels numb.
Sometimes, when I press on it, it hurts, and occasionally, it feels like there is inflammation with sharp pain on the side.
This pain doesn't occur frequently, but it comes and goes.
The deep, throbbing pain feels both superficial and deep; pressing on it causes both numbness and pain.
I kept hoping it would resolve on its own, but it hasn't improved, and I'm unsure if I should see a doctor, particularly a neurologist.
Thank you for your response!

Niming, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/08/12

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology

Hello: Your symptoms may suggest "piriformis syndrome." The piriformis muscle is located deep in the buttocks and spans between the spine and the hip joint.
When the piriformis muscle becomes inflamed, it can compress the sciatic nerve, leading to symptoms of numbness and pain.
This condition is common among office workers who often sit for prolonged periods, tend to cross their legs, do not use appropriate seat cushions, or keep their phones in their back pockets, which can cause prolonged pressure on the piriformis muscle, resulting in localized swelling and tissue inflammation.
Subsequently, you may experience severe pain in the deep area of the right buttock, which can even affect walking and lead to weakness in the leg.

For management: You can apply heat to promote local muscle circulation, with a temperature of about 35-40 degrees Celsius, for 10-15 minutes at a time, twice a day.
It is advisable to warm up for 10-15 minutes before exercising, such as cycling or running, to avoid muscle tightness, which can easily trigger piriformis syndrome.

For related diagnosis, it is recommended to consult a rehabilitation or neurology specialist for muscle ultrasound or other examinations to confirm the diagnosis.
Wishing you good health and peace.

Best regards,
Dr.
Tao, Neurology Department, caring for you.

Reply Date: 2018/08/12

More Info

It sounds like you are experiencing a complex situation following an injection that may have caused nerve damage. Based on your description, it is crucial to understand the potential risks and symptoms associated with nerve damage after injections, as well as the appropriate steps to take for evaluation and treatment.

When an injection is administered, especially in areas close to nerves, there is a risk of inadvertently damaging those nerves. This can lead to a variety of symptoms, including numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness in the affected area. In your case, the numbness and pain radiating from your buttock down to your thigh suggest that a nerve may have been affected during the injection process. The fact that the numbness has persisted for an extended period indicates that it may not be resolving on its own, which is a common concern with nerve injuries.

The symptoms you describe, such as the deep, sharp pain and the sensation of inflammation, could be indicative of a condition known as neuropathy, which is damage to the peripheral nerves. This can occur due to various reasons, including direct trauma from the injection, inflammation, or even compression of the nerve. The fact that the numbness has somewhat improved but still persists suggests that there may be ongoing irritation or damage to the nerve.

Given the complexity of your symptoms and their duration, it is advisable to seek a consultation with a neurologist. A neurologist specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions related to the nervous system, including nerve injuries. They can perform a thorough evaluation, which may include a physical examination, nerve conduction studies, and possibly imaging studies to assess the extent of any nerve damage.

In terms of treatment, options may vary depending on the severity of the nerve damage. In some cases, conservative management such as physical therapy, pain management strategies, and medications to reduce inflammation may be effective. If there is significant nerve damage, more advanced interventions may be necessary.

It is also important to monitor your symptoms closely. If you experience any worsening of your condition, such as increased pain, weakness, or changes in sensation, you should seek medical attention promptly. Early intervention can often lead to better outcomes in cases of nerve injury.

In summary, your symptoms following the injection warrant further evaluation by a neurologist. They can help determine the cause of your symptoms and recommend an appropriate treatment plan. It is essential to address these concerns proactively to prevent any potential long-term complications.

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