Ulnar Nerve

[Laruuk]

Long story short - I broke my left wrist over ten years ago. Had two surgeries on it after the break had already healed (first one 5 years ago, second one 4 years ago).

After the second surgery, I've always had a small bit of numbness and tingling on the top of my hand (just past my wrist, stopping at my pinky knuckle).

For the last week (ever since my last OW checkout dive, in fact), it feels like I've 'hit my funny bone'. My pinky and part of my hand always have a tingling sensation and the area of numbess is bigger than before.

I do not remember doing anything to possibly 'upset' the ulnar nerve, and the (military) doctor I saw said something was inflamed and pressing on the nerve. Not surprisingly, he wasn't quite ready to give me a referral to Ortho or Neurology.

Could my dive have something to do with it?

 

[Red_5]

Sounds exactly like cubital tunnel (carpal tunnel except at the elbow)

I had/have it.

I won't make a mess of this post with my bias.. but it too involves the .mil

feel free to PM/IM me.

 

[TSandM]

The chances of you developing neurologic symptoms after an OW checkout dive are very small. The dives are brief and shallow, and the nitrogen loading is minimal.

On the other hand, it is possible to have irritation of a preexisting area of pressure or inflammation on a nerve, by wearing restrictive gear, or performing unaccustomed motions. This would be far more likely, in my view, as an etiology for increased symptoms. You could have ulnar nerve entrapment at the wrist, or at the elbow (more common). If symptoms persist, an evaluation by a neurologist, possibly to include evoked potentials or nerve transmission studies, might be in order. Sometimes there are surgical options to release entrapment of the nerve.

This is obviously not a specific diagnosis, as I haven't seen you or examined you, but is meant as general information to aid you in deciding what medical evaluation or assistance might be helpful.

 

[dartref]

Been through all that testing and the surgery to move the ulnar nerve. If it comes to that and you have any questions, let me know.

 

[Laruuk]

TSandM - Thanks for the info. I have a feeling I'll be back at the doctor's office next week and, thanks to you, armed with new ammunition to get that referral.

dartef - I'll hit you with a PM if it turns out that this is actually what's wrong.

Thanks!

 

[dartref]

Good luck.