Nerve Pain: A Journey Through Neurology and Rehabilitation - Neurology

Numbness, soreness, and sensory perception?

---

I previously experienced some numbness in my fingers, which progressed to numbness in my right palm, along with soreness and pain in my arm, and diminished sensation due to the numbness.
I visited the neurology department at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Kaohsiung, where I explained my symptoms.
The doctor arranged for nerve testing, cervical spine X-rays, and a brain CT scan.
After reviewing the results, the doctor informed me that they could not identify the cause of my symptoms and suggested I seek care elsewhere, either in neurosurgery or rehabilitation.
Ultimately, the doctor found a nearby orthopedic clinic online and referred me there, instructing me to sign the referral form before leaving.
I went to the rehabilitation center and underwent therapy for a while, but there was little improvement.
I then visited the neurosurgery department at the military hospital and shared the findings from Chang Gung.
The doctor performed a simple examination and immediately noted issues with my nerve reflexes, expressing disbelief that I had been told there was no problem and referred to rehabilitation.
When I showed him the referral form, he laughed and seemed surprised.
He promptly arranged for an MRI, and during my follow-up appointment, the doctor diagnosed me with cervical nerve inflammation, though he was unsure of the underlying cause.
He prescribed a month’s worth of steroids, but after a month with no improvement, he switched to a different steroid.
After another two weeks with no change, a friend with some medical knowledge suggested I return to neurology for further evaluation.
He referred me to an internist.
During my appointment, I explained my previous findings and the lack of improvement despite medication.
After reviewing my MRI results, the internist mentioned a potential eye condition that might be causing my symptoms, and he scheduled an eye examination.
Upon my return visit, the eye doctor found no issues.
When I inquired about the next steps, the doctor surprisingly stated that I appeared to be in good health and suggested maintaining the current status without further follow-up.
However, I was still experiencing numbness, soreness, pain, and sensory issues in my hand.
I requested medication to help alleviate my symptoms at least three times, and the doctor finally prescribed a muscle relaxant, advising me to continue rehabilitation.
When the nurse handed me the prescription, I asked if I needed to return for a follow-up.
She replied that if there were no abnormalities, I did not need to come back.
I then sought rehabilitation at another clinic and brought my MRI results for review.
The physician noted some unexplained white areas in my cervical spine and suggested that rehabilitation would not be effective, recommending that I visit a larger hospital.
Eventually, I went to Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Chiayi to consult a more experienced neurosurgeon.
After I described my symptoms, he initially referred me to orthopedics for evaluation.
They performed X-rays and copied my MRI results to their system.
The orthopedic examination revealed no issues, but the doctor noted that the white areas in my cervical spine were abnormal.
He arranged for another MRI since my previous images were over three months old, wanting to compare for any changes.
About a month later, after completing the MRI and waiting for my follow-up appointment, the doctor reviewed the images and asked if I had undergone surgery.
I replied that I had not.
When I described my symptoms of palm numbness, arm soreness, and poor sensation, he indicated that I needed to be referred back to neurology, stating that my symptoms were not related to his specialty and that I should see an internist to investigate the underlying cause.

I have been navigating through various departments at Chang Gung in Kaohsiung, the military hospital, and Chang Gung in Chiayi for over a year now, being shuffled around.
I am left wondering which specialty I should pursue for my condition.

---

A-Hsien, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/04/29