Numbness in the hands and a burning sensation in the arms?
Hello, a few days ago I suspected I experienced an electric shock while unplugging something.
My hand has been numb and weak, and it hasn't improved since then.
I feel numbness and a burning sensation running through my entire arm, along with soreness and weakness.
Could this be caused by the electric shock? However, I have no visible injuries and my consciousness is normal.
Could it be due to something else? The electric shock occurred in my right hand fingers, and at that moment, I felt a tingling electric current.
Now, my left hand also sometimes feels numb and has a bit of a burning sensation.
I'm not sure if it's psychological or something else.
The timing is quite coincidental since I've felt unwell for several days after the suspected electric shock.
I would like to know if this is due to the electric shock or if it might be something else.
I'm a bit worried, so I would appreciate your help.
Thank you!
Guāniú, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/02/04
Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology
The severity of an electric shock determines the extent of the injury, which depends on whether the shock lasted for a moment or several seconds.
It is important to assess if there is any permanent damage, such as the hand becoming stiff and unable to return to its normal state.
Generally, household electric shocks are mild and do not result in long-term effects.
However, as mentioned earlier, individual susceptibility may lead to tissue and nerve damage, necessitating further medical evaluation and treatment by a physician.
Reply Date: 2016/02/04
More Info
The sensations you are experiencing, including tingling, burning, and weakness in your arms after a suspected electric shock, can be concerning and warrant further investigation. While it is possible that these symptoms are a direct result of the incident, they may also indicate an underlying neurological issue that needs to be addressed.
When you experience an electric shock, the electrical current can disrupt the normal functioning of the nerves. This disruption can lead to symptoms such as tingling (paresthesia), burning sensations, and weakness in the affected area. The fact that you felt an immediate sensation of electric current in your right hand suggests that the nerves in that area were affected. However, the subsequent development of similar symptoms in your left hand raises questions about whether this is purely a result of the electric shock or if there is another underlying condition at play.
In the absence of visible injuries or loss of consciousness, it is important to consider other potential causes for your symptoms. For instance, nerve compression or irritation, such as carpal tunnel syndrome or cervical radiculopathy, could lead to similar sensations. These conditions can occur independently of an electric shock and may be exacerbated by the stress or trauma of the incident. Additionally, anxiety or panic following a traumatic event can manifest physically, leading to heightened awareness of bodily sensations and potentially causing symptoms like tingling or burning.
Given that your symptoms have persisted for several days, it is advisable to seek medical attention. A thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional, particularly a neurologist, would be beneficial. They may recommend diagnostic tests such as nerve conduction studies or electromyography (EMG) to assess the function of your nerves and muscles. These tests can help determine if there is any damage to the nerves or if there are other underlying conditions contributing to your symptoms.
In the meantime, it is essential to monitor your symptoms closely. If you experience any worsening of your condition, such as increased weakness, loss of coordination, or changes in sensation, seek immediate medical attention. Additionally, managing stress and anxiety through relaxation techniques or counseling may help alleviate some of the psychological aspects of your experience.
In summary, while the electric shock may have contributed to your current symptoms, it is crucial to consider other potential causes. A comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional will provide clarity and guide appropriate treatment options. Remember, early intervention can often lead to better outcomes, so do not hesitate to seek help.
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