Tingling feeling (Pins and Needles) in arms...should we be concerned?

My husband had the coiling procedure done 6/22/14 and has been experiencing what he describes as "pins & needles" that comes and goes in both his left and right arms. We are both so paranoid right now...we mentioned it to the Nurse Practitioner that saw him a couple of days ago and he didn't seem too worried however we haven't had a follow up with the neurologist yet. Just wondering if this is something we should be concerned about?

Hi Kiki. How is your husband doing besides the pins, and needles, in his arms? It’s very early in his recovery, not even a month post surgery. I’m also a survivor, but of a SAH. I had bypass artery surgery. It’s been 2 years post surgery. Still have pins and needles in both arms, from my shoulder blades, right down to my fingers. It can be very painful. My neurologist, ran several tests, and determined I have nerve damaged in both arms resulting in carpal tunnel. I have an appointment to a Pain Clinic. Sometimes pain take me away from the things, I usually enjoyed. But with God Grace I’m here! And where there is Life, there is Hope. My thoughts and prayers are with your husband and you.

Hello Kiki,

I had similar symptoms on my arms and faces and I was told that it was due to the medication, Topamax. Some medications have strange side effects. I had the symptoms for about 2 weeks until my body got used to it. But check with you doctor and ask questions. Hope you husband feels better.

Thank you for your reply Ruben. We are going to follow up with the Doctor next week. Thanks again! :-)

Hello Kimlin,

My husband is doing unbelievable well since his coiling procedure 3 weeks ago. We both have the feeling of "is it too good to be true" and wonder if it's going to eventually get worse? He initially had really bad back pain and then said the pain moved down to his tail bone. He was given pain meds for the pain and has been able to decrease the dosages and expand the time in between each pill. He is walking, talking, and his memory is amazing! Physically he is doing well. Emotionally, we are both adjusting. He has the same bad dream every night and is definitely fearful that it could happen again. After hearing stories and talking to people who lost a loved one from a BA we are feeling Blessed beyond measure! Thank you for your thoughts and prayers!

Both Kimlin and Ruben gave you some good information...however, anything of concern to your husband and/or yourself should be passed on to the Neurosurgeon and asked if this is a normal symptom...I know after my coiling I had a lot of issues with my neck and arm and was sent for physical therapy...it took a few months but corrected itself from the p/t exercises...~ Colleen

You should definitely bring it up to the neurosurgeon. I had horrible hip pain after coiling when I was not able to move for 36 hrs. It didn't go away after the rest of me started to feel better and my PCP sent me for a lower lumbar MRI after telling me it wasn't my hip. I had 3 bulging discs. The spine doctor I then went to recommended a cortisone shot in my spine, which helped for awhile. He said I didn't need physical therapy. Well, here I am 3 yrs later and though the pain and tingling down my leg finally went away, it has come back. This time my PCP is sending me to physical therapy and hopes they can start correcting it.

I did not have back problems before the surgery and feel that the hospital personnel moved me a certain way to cause this, but I could not find anything in their records. My neurosurgeon had stated that it wasn't anything he did during the surgery (which I never blamed him).

The pins and needles are definitely a sign that nerves are involved. Hopefully between your PCP and the neurosurgeon they can figure out where the nerve problem is located. I did take Gabapentin (Neurontin) for 1 year, which is really great for nerve pain (I started low, then gradually went up to see which dose I needed). Good luck - I hope he gets some relief soon.

I'm early out. Your husband is even earlier out. I ruptured 12/23/13 and they did the coiling procedure on me as well and also a shunt. I would make sure to tell the neurologist. I have pins and needles in the left hand. My doctor told me it was my souvenir.

Hi Kiki - Hope your husband is still recovering well. I also had really bad back pain that started in my upper back and worked its way to my lower back and was told by the neurosurgeons office it was a normal part of the recovery when you have blood in your spinal fluid. The blood irritates your nerves in your back as it works it ways out of your spinal column being reabsorbed and hence the back pain. Took some time to go away but it did eventually. Someone else posted they take Neurontin and I have as well but if your husband has been prescribed that be careful not to just stop taking it. You need to wean yourself off of it slowly or you will have strong withdrawal symptoms. It's taken me some time to step down off of it and I'm almost at the end and it's been 6 months since my SAH. Other things may or may not pop up as your husband recovers. I had headaches daily - some very bad and some minor but they were not a typical headache. It was more like someone was squeezing my head or I would have an odd sharp pain and it would suddenly stop. As time goes on and the healing continues these things pop up and just as soon seem to go away so there may be more to come but I was fortunate that I didn't have a lot either at the start. My husband lost a sister to a BA so I too feel blessed. Before the aneurysm I never was sure what my purpose in life was and kind of just lived day to day, working, etc. and even though since the SAH I'm still not sure I know I am definitely here for a reason as well as all the survivors so there is a mission for each of us and I believe we will find it. The best to you and your husband!

Hi Kiki...sometimes much goes on while are bodies are healing and we have to look at the entire picture...what medications is he on and can they cause some of these effects, are other things declining with him, etc., If you feel he is getting worse and you both feel it is ... seek medical attention by going to the ER...My experience shows me that the Nurse Practitioner's dot more of their "i's" and cross more of their "t's" then anyone...but any doubts ask to make appointment with Neurosurgeon. Also, keep in mind that many of us have Neurologists we see, besides our Neurosurgeons because Neurosurgeons take care of surgery but Neurologists seem to take care of the "day to day"...sending good thoughts out to you both ~ Colleen

Kiki..

My left hand/wrist...(not of my left brain/right body from left aneurysm) had the tingling to falling alseep (dropping things, etc) from discharge to current...11 years...

I learned mild exercise intermittently... including if driving, I flex/exercise my hand on/off the wheel...

Family asked PCP a week after d/c about it; PCP told them a term paresthesia...result of stroke...Other definitions refer it to peripheral nerves...(presumably the carpal tunnel?).

An early neurologist did test for carpal tunnel...tho I have vague memory of it in 2008...

My third neuropsych testing (2007) the psychologist added a test to confirm the left hand/body status...next test was 2009...My 2014 test qualifies changes in my left hand...I have received the records which includes a chart of comparison of the three test years at this clinic. I will study the chart and call if I have questions; I will also check w/vascular neurologist if he wants the chart results for my upcoming appointment...

My first two neuropsych tests were 90 days post discharge at hospital (2003); the second for SS Disability...mid-2005. I will view these and see if any tests can be added to the comparison chart...

The clinic of the three (2007-2014) has the prior two early ones...may not be any comparison tests...

RE: neurologists... I have very recently learned that there are also specialist neurologists...

My local neuro referred me to a vascular neurologist who I will soon be seeing...