Re: Cubital Tunnerl Syndrome

In Reply to: Cubital Tunnerl Syndrome posted by Paul on March 04, 2004 at 18:51:44:

: Hey all, how lucky am I to have come across this great site?!?!! Here is my situation: I went to a physiatrist three days ago to have him look at a chronic upperback injury as well as tingling in my pinkie and ring fingers in my left hand I have been experiencing the last three months. Appearantly the back injury and tingling are not related. After having an EMG, the doc said I have 50% blockage of the ulnar nerve at the elbow. This was a shock to me because I have never had problems with my elbow. He jumped into saying I needed surgery, but we could try a cortisone shot first. I have scheduled an appointment to have a cortisone shot next week to see if that takes care of the problem. I have also made a more conscious effort to keep my arms straight at work, sleep with a brace on at night, and I am taking Vit B-6 which I hear can help. I am real confused about all of this because I have not lost any strenth in my hand and am not having any tingling except in the pinkie and ring fingers. My elbow is not numb nor is my forearm. Do you think I should get a second opinion? Should I ask for an MRI? Do you think it is just a coincidence that the problem area is on the same side that I hurt my back? I started a job that requires me to be at a desk all day about seven month ago, so I am thinking that may be the culprit.

: If it is cubital tunnel syndrome, does anyone have any words of wisdom or advice? Any advice is much appreciated. Thanks is advance.

Paul with the doubts that you have, I would go get a second opinion. As for the MRI, that was the first test I took concering CT and it came back negative. Then I was sent for the EMG/NVC test, which confirmed moderate/severe Carpal Tunnel. Go ahead and get that second opinion to put your mind at rest, concerning your health or treatment. Best Wishes, Melani